Two close allies of Benin’s President Patrice Talon have been remanded in custody over an alleged coup plot, ahead of their trial, a lawyer confirmed on Tuesday.
Olivier Boko, a businessman and longtime friend of President Talon, and Oswald Homeky, a former sports minister, were charged with ‘conspiracy against state security, corruption of public funds, and money laundering,’ according to Ayodele Ahounou, their lawyer.
The two men were arrested after allegedly bribing the commander of the president’s security to orchestrate a coup.
Homeky was reportedly caught handing over six bags of money to the head of the Republican Guard, as stated by Elonm Mario Metonou, the special prosecutor at Benin’s court for financial crimes and terrorism.
Alleged mastermind behind the plot
Boko, who is often described as Talon’s ‘right-hand man,’ is accused of being the mastermind of the coup attempt. He was detained separately in Cotonou, Benin’s capital. Boko had recently indicated his interest in running for president in the 2026 elections.
Both men are now in pre-trial detention, confirmed Ahounou.
Benin, once considered one of Africa’s most stable democracies, has faced concerns under President Talon, who has been accused of using the judicial system to target political opponents since he took office in 2016. Talon further consolidated power in 2021 by altering electoral rules.
After securing his re-election three years ago, President Talon promised not to seek a third term in 2026. The constitution of Benin limits presidents to two terms.
Source: Africabriefing
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