Benin Govt. Arrests Presidential Guard Commander, Two Others Over Coup Attempt

Benin’s government announced on Wednesday that it had foiled a coup attempt planned for Friday. Three individuals, including the head of the Republican Guard and a former minister, were arrested.

The announcement was made by state prosecutor Elonm Mario Metonou during a press conference in the capital, Porto-Novo.

Djimon Dieudonne Tevoedjre, the Republican Guard commander, ex-Sports Minister Oswald Homeky, and businessman Olivier Boko were detained on suspicion of plotting to overthrow the government.

Metonou alleged that the coup attempt began on August 6, when Tevoedjre opened a bank account in Ivory Coast with 105 million CFA francs (around $178,000). By September 24, he had received over 1.5 billion CFA francs (about $2.545 million) in bribes to not resist the planned coup.

Homeky and Tevoedjre were arrested during the transaction, while Boko was taken into custody shortly afterward. Metonou said investigations are ongoing to find out other suspects in the plot. On the other hand, President Patrice Talon’s term ends in 2026, and he has earlier announced he would not seek re-election.

Read More:

Tinubu Yet To Order Investigation Into Matawalle’s Alleged Sponsorship Of Bandits

Senegal’s Former Ruling Parties Form Coalition Ahead of November Snap Poll, Threaten President Faye’s Reform Agenda

About The Author

Confidence Ubani

subscriber

See author's posts