Benin: former president Boni Yayi’s son, Chabi Yayi, arrested at his home in Cotonou
Chabi Yayi, secretary for external relations of the opposition party Les Démocrates and son of former president Boni Yayi, was arrested on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at his home in Cotonou. The arrest was confirmed by his political party.
Arrested around 2:00 a.m., Chabi Yayi was reportedly taken to the Judicial Police Directorate, according to several sources reported by Bip Radio. For now, no official statement has specified the exact reasons for this arrest, leaving many questions among the public.
According to information gathered from sources close to the case, security forces reportedly went to the politician’s home before proceeding with his arrest without resistance. The party Les Démocrates confirmed the information, while indicating that, at this stage, it has no details on the reasons for this police action.
This arrest comes in an especially tense political climate, just days after the Beninese authorities announced the dismantling of an attempted coup that took place on Sunday, December 7, 2025. Since that episode, several investigations have been opened to identify the perpetrators, accomplices and possible supporters of this alleged destabilization plot.
Although no formal link has yet been established between Chabi Yayi’s arrest and the ongoing investigations, the coincidence of events fuels speculation. Security authorities remain tight-lipped.