The accused include a former sports minister and a businessman closely associated with President Patrice Talon.
Elonm Mario Metonou, the special prosecutor at Benin’s court for financial crimes and terrorism, stated that the alleged coup was set for September 27, 2024.
“The Republican Guard commander responsible for the president’s security was allegedly recruited by Minister Oswald Homeky and Olivier Boko to forcibly execute the coup,” the prosecutor revealed.
According to the court, Homeky was apprehended around 1:00 AM on Tuesday while transferring six bags of cash totaling 1.5 billion West African CFA francs (approximately $2.5 million) to Commander Djimon Dieudonne Tevoedjre.
Boko, a longtime friend of President Talon, was arrested separately during the night between Monday and Tuesday in Cotonou, the country’s economic capital. He had recently hinted at a presidential run in 2026, when Talon’s second term ends and he will be barred from seeking reelection.
Investigators suggest that Homeky and Boko attempted to bribe the military commander to ensure no resistance to the coup.
Metonou confirmed that investigations are ongoing to apprehend additional suspects.
Since 2020, neighbouring countries have witnessed eight successful military coups along with numerous attempts.
Talon, in power since 2016, faces criticism for increasingly authoritarian practices, with some observers arguing that his policies have undermined democratic standards in Benin.
Amid a rise in attacks linked to jihadist violence from the Sahel region, Benin’s security forces have been on high alert. Neighbouring Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have all experienced military coups following years of instability tied to jihadist activity.