Two high-profile associates of Benin’s President Patrice Talon were sentenced to 20 years in prison for attempting to orchestrate a coup against the government.
Olivier Boko, a businessman with longstanding ties to Talon, and Oswald Homeky, a former sports minister, were found guilty of conspiracy against state security and corruption. The verdict was delivered late Thursday in Cotonou, the nation’s capital.
The court’s decision follows their arrest in September after accusations that they conspired to overthrow the government. Homeky was apprehended while allegedly handing over six bags of money to the commander of the presidential guard, aiming to secure the coup.
The commander, Col. Djimon Dieudonne Tevoedjre, testified during the trial, revealing that Homeky had approached him in September to discuss the plot. Boko, often described as Talon’s trusted confidant, was arrested separately for allegedly masterminding the plan.
The trio’s coup attempt came at a time when Homeky and other politicians had voiced support for Boko’s possible bid in the 2026 presidential election.
In addition to the prison sentence, the court imposed a substantial fine. The three men are required to pay 60 billion CFA francs ($95 million) in damages to the Beninese state, along with individual fines of 4.5 billion CFA francs ($6.8 million) each.
A third conspirator, Rock Nieri, Boko’s brother-in-law, was sentenced in absentia. Nieri remains on the run.
Benin, known for its democratic stability, has faced criticism from opposition leaders and human rights organizations who accuse President Talon of using the justice system to target political adversaries.
Talon, who was reelected in 2021, has pledged not to seek a third term in the 2026 election, as required by the constitution.