Two prominent figures close to Benin’s President Patrice Talon were remanded in custody on Tuesday, facing charges of conspiracy against state security, corruption, and money laundering.
Olivier Boko, a businessman and longtime friend of the president, and Oswald Homeky, a former sports minister, were arrested last week after being accused of attempting to bribe the commander of the president’s security detail to stage a coup.
Homeky was caught red-handed while allegedly handing over a large sum of money to the head of the Republican Guard.
Boko, often described as Talon’s “right-hand man,” is accused of being the mastermind behind the alleged coup attempt.
Both men have been placed in pre-trial detention.
The arrests have sent shockwaves through Benin, which has long been considered one of Africa’s most stable democracies.
However, President Talon has faced criticism for using the justice system to target his political opponents.
Despite his promise not to seek a third term in office in the 2026 election, concerns remain about his potential to consolidate power further.