Benin: more than 400 people arrested, 90 motorcycles and 400 phones seized during the show

In the night of Friday, January 2, 2026, in Parakou, the Departmental Directorate of the Republican Police (DDPR) of Borgou put an end to an unauthorized show named “The War of the Clans”. It was an event marked by the widespread consumption of psychotropic substances. The operation, carried out with the support of specialized units, led to the arrest of more than 400 people, including many minors, and to the seizure of substantial equipment.

The scene unfolded late at night, as several hundred youths took part in this clandestine gathering organized without administrative authorization. Alerted, the law enforcement forces, supported by the surveillance platoon and the Mobile Company, entered the premises to restore order and put an end to a situation deemed dangerous to public safety.

According to Fraternité FM, more than 400 people were arrested on site. The operation also led to the seizure of more than 90 motorcycles as well as audio equipment and sound systems used for the event. Notably, more than 400 mobile phones were recovered and turned over to the Cybercrime Control Office (OLC) for verifications and in-depth investigations.

Police officers also discovered tablets and beverages with psychotropic effects, the exact nature of which remains to be determined, as well as cannabis and hookah cartridges with suspicious contents. These seizures confirm, according to authorities, the scale of the excesses observed during this unauthorized show.

Accidents, Property Damage and Suspected Fraud

According to Fraternité FM, some participants, under the influence of drugs and alcohol, would have caused accidents and incurred substantial material damage. The water pipes of a neighboring house would in particular have been vandalized. A complaint has been filed by the victims, and an investigation is ongoing to determine responsibilities.

The organizer of the event is also at the heart of the investigations. He allegedly demanded a contribution of 2,000 FCFA per participant, without providing clear services or issuing a receipt. This collection, carried out among hundreds of youths including minors, raises serious suspicions of fraud and financing of illicit activities. The same source indicates that the promoter is a repeat offender, already involved in similar cases.