Benin: a widow suspected of theft summons members of her in-laws to court
A family dispute involving a sum of 18 million CFA francs was brought before the Court of First Instance of Abomey-Calavi, last week. The case implicates a friend of the plaintiff’s deceased husband and several members of her in-laws, suspected of embezzlement.
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According to reports from Bip Radio, the events date back to June 11, 2025, when the plaintiff lost her husband in Lomé, Togo. In the rush to repatriate the body to Benin, she claims to have forgotten two bags containing a sizable sum of money, estimated at 18 million CFA francs, hidden in their shared room. The widow clarifies that she was the sole holder of the keys to this room.
However, upon her return, she notices the disappearance of the bags. She then accuses the deceased’s friend and members of the in-laws of entering the room in her absence and taking the money, without informing her.
The defendants deny all charges
Summoned to testify, the defendants firmly denied the accusations. They claim that the widow had reclaimed all her personal belongings on the day of her husband’s death.
The judge handling the case remarked that there is no trace of the money mentioned by the plaintiff in the police report or in depositions.
The case is adjourned to July 24, 2025 for public prosecution’s demands and pleas.