Ex-Minister, Presidential Security Chief Arrested in Benin Over Alleged Coup Plot
Three men, including Oswald Homeky, a former sports minister, Colonel Djimon Dieudonne Tevoedjre, the head of President Patrice Talon’s security, and Olivier Boko, a close associate of the President, have been arrested by authorities in Benin on suspicion of plotting a coup.
The arrests were confirmed by the state prosecutor during a press conference.
Homeky was caught handing over six bags of money to Colonel Djimon Dieudonne Tevoedjre, the head of the Republican Guard. Investigators believe the money was intended to bribe the colonel into not resisting a coup d’etat planned for Friday.
The prosecutor also revealed that businessman Olivier Boko, a close associate of President Talon who had recently expressed political ambitions, was detained in connection with the plot. Boko’s lawyers have condemned the arrest, calling it an “abduction,” and are demanding his immediate release.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to identify additional suspects involved in the coup attempt.
Also Read: Why There Has Been a Spate of Coups in Africa. Political Expert Tells Neusroom
This arrest comes amid a growing trend of political instability in West and Central Africa, where a series of military coups and coup attempts have taken place in recent years. Benin, a French-speaking West African nation, borders Nigeria to the east, Burkina Faso to the north-west, and Niger to the north-east—two countries currently under military regimes.
President Talon, 66, who has been in power since 2016, recently announced that he will not seek a third term in office in the 2026 elections.
