Candide Azannaï placed in police custody for “conspiracy against the authority of the State”

According to initial reports relayed by Bip Radio, the former deputy minister of national defense has been placed in police custody on charges of “conspiracy against state authority” and “incitement to rebellion.”

These charges come just days after the foiled coup attempt of December 7, which weakened Benin’s political and security climate.

Authorities have not yet issued an official statement detailing the precise grounds for opening this judicial procedure. On site, law enforcement officers took the opposition figure to the judicial police, where he is being questioned as part of ongoing investigations.

Candide Azannaï, a well-known figure on Benin’s political scene, recently stood out for his critical stance toward the government while condemning the violence of the attempted coup. The party Restaurer l’Espoir had publicly denounced the attack on institutions and reaffirmed its commitment to the republican order in a statement published on December 9.

The exact nature of the evidence gathered against the opposition figure remains unknown for now. Further details may be provided in the coming days as the investigation progresses.