Benin: hope of provisional release for 2 customs officers prosecuted by the CRIET

The former brigade commander of the Hillacondji customs post and his secretary could soon be released. Their case, linked to the suspicious clearance of a truck at the Hillacondji border post, was examined on Monday March 17, 2025 by the Court for the Repression of Economic Offences and Terrorism (CRIET).

Initially scheduled for the public prosecutor’s closing arguments and the lawyers’ closing arguments, the hearing was finally marked by a request for postponement from the public prosecutor, who wanted more time to refine his closing arguments, Banouto reported.

However, in a notable about-turn, the first deputy special prosecutor argued in favor of the provisional release of the two defendants. According to him, the evidence examined during the debates did not conclusively establish their involvement in the acts of which they were accused.

Lawyers for the two customs officers, including Ayodélé Ahounou and Timothée Yabit, welcomed the Public Prosecutor’s position, describing it as objective and enlightened.

For its part, the Court decided to postpone the case until March 31, 2025, for the presentation of closing arguments. In the meantime, the decision on their provisional release remains subject to the judge’s discretion.