Cotonou, Benin –
December 18, 2025 (Clarion Newschannel)
Beninese authorities have remanded approximately 30 individuals in pre-trial detention following their alleged involvement in a failed coup attempt earlier this month. Most of the suspects are active-duty soldiers, with reports indicating around 30-31 detainees, including at least one civilian, facing serious charges such as treason, murder, and endangering state security.
The suspects appeared before a special prosecutor at the Court for the Repression of Economic Crimes and Terrorism (CRIET) in Cotonou on December 15-16, under heavy security. Legal sources confirmed the detentions on Tuesday, marking a significant step in the government’s response to the December 7 incident.89eb22,604dee
Caption: Security around the CRIET court in Cotonou during proceedings related to the coup suspects.
On December 7, mutinous soldiers led by Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri stormed state television in Cotonou, announcing the overthrow of President Patrice Talon and the dissolution of the government. The plotters cited grievances including deteriorating security in northern Benin, neglect of fallen soldiers, and broader political discontent.361e00,c31f45
Caption: Mutinous soldiers appearing on national television announcing the attempted overthrow on December 7.
The attempt was swiftly thwarted by loyalist forces, supported by Nigerian air force strikes and French special forces assistance. Several people were killed in clashes, and Tigri along with other key mutineers remain at large, reportedly having fled the country.17cb3f,6e881f
Caption: Armored vehicles and soldiers patrolling Cotonou streets following the foiled coup attempt.
In related developments, authorities have scrutinized opposition figures. Chabi Yayi, son of former president Thomas Boni Yayi, was questioned and released but remains under prosecution. Former defense minister Candide Azannai was arrested, though links to the plot are unclear as he publicly condemned it. An international arrest warrant has also been issued for Pan-Africanist influencer Kémi Séba, accused of supporting the putsch.
President Talon, who addressed the nation shortly after the incident, vowed that the “treachery” would not go unpunished. The failed coup has heightened regional concerns amid a wave of instability in West Africa.
Clarion Newschannel will continue to monitor developments in this ongoing investigation.
BREAKING: Benin Detains Around 30 Suspects, Mostly Soldiers, in Foiled Coup Crackdown
