Two Close Associates of Benin’s President Arrested in Alleged Coup Plot

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Two men with close ties to President Patrice Talon of Benin were formally remanded in custody on Tuesday after their arrest last week on allegations of conspiring to orchestrate a coup in the West African nation. Their lawyer, Ayodele Ahounou, confirmed that Olivier Boko, a businessman and longtime friend of the president, along with Oswald Homeky, a former sports minister, face serious charges that include "conspiracy against state security, corruption of public funds, and money laundering."

The arrests came after accusations that both men attempted to bribe the commander responsible for the president’s security to facilitate the coup. Homeky was apprehended while allegedly delivering six bags of cash to the head of the Republican Guard, according to special prosecutor Elonm Mario Metonou, who oversees financial crimes and terrorism cases in Benin.

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Boko, who is often referred to as Talon's "right-hand man," was arrested separately in Cotonou, the capital city. Reports indicate that he had recently expressed ambitions to run for president in the upcoming 2026 election, adding to the complexity of the case.

Both individuals have been placed in pre-trial detention as investigations continue into their alleged conspiracy. The political landscape in Benin has become increasingly contentious under President Talon's administration, which has been criticized for employing the judicial system to suppress opposition since he assumed office in 2016. Critics argue that changes made to electoral laws have enabled Talon to solidify his grip on power.

Despite promising not to seek a third term in the 2026 election following his reelection in 2021, Talon's administration has faced scrutiny for its treatment of political adversaries and the erosion of democratic principles in what has traditionally been one of Africa's more stable democracies.