Authorities in the Benin Republic have announced the foiling of a suspected coup attempt planned for Friday, with two high-profile figures among those implicated in the plot, Okay.ng reports.
In a statement on Wednesday, Elonm Metonou, special prosecutor at Benin’s court for financial crimes and terrorism, revealed that former Sports Minister Oswald Homeky was apprehended on Tuesday night, handing over six bags containing 1.5 billion West African CFA francs (about $2.5 million) to Djimon Tevoedjre, commander of the republican guard and head of President Patrice Talon’s security.
According to Metonou, Homeky and Olivier Boko, a businessman and longtime friend of President Talon, were central figures in the alleged coup attempt.
Boko was arrested separately on Monday in Cotonou, Benin’s economic capital. The businessman, who had recently signaled his intention to run for the presidency in 2026, is accused of paying off the military commander to ensure no resistance during the planned takeover.
Prosecutors said the suspects opened a bank account in Côte d’Ivoire under the commander’s name on August 6, and the cash was transported in Homeky’s Toyota Prado with fake license plates. Investigations are ongoing to track down other individuals involved in the plot.
The thwarted coup attempt comes amid growing concerns about political instability in the region. Since 2020, neighboring countries have seen eight successful military coups and numerous attempts.
President Patrice Talon, who has been in power since 2016, has faced increasing criticism for what many describe as authoritarian tendencies. Critics argue that his policies have eroded democratic standards in the Benin Republic.
