Authorities in Benin Republic claim to have successfully foiled a planned coup attempt that was set to take place on Friday.
Prosecutors revealed on Wednesday that the alleged plot involved high-ranking officials and was uncovered just days before the scheduled event.
A special prosecutor at Benin’s court for financial crimes and terrorism, Elonm Metonou, disclosed that a former sports minister, Oswald Homeky, was apprehended on Tuesday night.
Homeky was reportedly caught handing over six bags filled with cash to Djimon Tevoedjre, the commander of the republican guard, who is responsible for the security of President Patrice Talon.
“It appears the Republican Guard commander in charge of the president’s security was engaged by the minister Oswald Homeky and Olivier Boko in order to carry out a coup by force on September 27, 2024,” Metonou stated.
According to the prosecutor, the seized bags contained approximately 1.5 billion West African CFA francs, equivalent to about $2.5 million.
Investigations revealed that a bank account was opened in Côte d’Ivoire under Tevoedjre’s name on August 6. The funds were reportedly transported in Homeky’s vehicle, a Toyota Prado fitted with fake license plates.
Olivier Boko, a businessman and close associate of President Talon, was also implicated in the conspiracy. He was arrested earlier in the week in Cotonou, Benin’s commercial hub.
Boko, who has made his presidential ambitions clear ahead of the 2026 election, allegedly collaborated with Homeky in paying off the military commander to ensure there would be no resistance during the coup.
Investigations are ongoing, with authorities working to track down other individuals involved in the plot.
Since 2020, several West African nations have experienced successful coups or attempted military takeovers.
President Talon, who has governed Benin since 2016, has come under scrutiny, with critics accusing him of gradually dismantling democratic institutions and tightening his grip on power.