International press freedom lobby groups have called for an independent investigation into the death of Cameroonian journalist Samuel Ajiekah Abuwe alias Samuel Wazizi, who died while in military custody 10 months ago.

CPJ said the Cameroonian government's "cruel treatment" of the journalist "is truly shocking" and it is unbelievable that authorities covered up his death in custody for 10 months despite repeated inquiries from press freedom advocates and his family, colleagues, friends, and lawyers.

"An independent autopsy should be conducted immediately, and Cameroon must also launch an independent commission of inquiry so that those responsible for Wazizi's death are held accountable," said Angela Quintal, CPJ's Africa programme coordinator.

The defense ministry's statement said the journalist had been in contact with his family while in custody but the press freedom lobby groups say the statement fell short of providing a credible explanation of how Wazizi died two weeks after his arrest.

According to RSF, Wazizi's brother also denied claims the journalist was in contact with the family while in detention.