Centre Eya in Fidjrossè: Samuel Akindès presents his version before the CRIET.

Samuel Akindès, former chief of the 12th arrondissement of Cotonou, appeared on Monday, June 1, 2026, before the Court for the repression of economic offenses and terrorism (CRIET) for a second hearing in the case related to the construction of the Eya center in Fidjrossè Akogbato. He is pursued for abuse of functions. The next hearing is scheduled for July 6, 2026.

The charges pertain to two distinct amounts. According to the accusation, Akindès initially solicited or accepted 200,000 FCFA in connection with the organization of a cocktail party following a district council session aimed at validating the project. The civil party contends that this amount was later raised to 3 million FCFA at the initiative of the accused, and that it was after receiving the funds that Akindès began to provide clarifications intended to convince his fellow councilors and youth representatives, while the discussions were initially unfavorable to the project.

Akindès contested this version before the Court. He claims to have rejected the initial offer of 200,000 FCFA on the grounds that the promoter of the Eya center was his friend and that he typically organized post-session cocktails without financial compensation. Regarding the 3 million FCFA, he admits to having pocketed the amount but characterizes it as personal political support from his friend, indicating that he himself asked for this amount. He also asserts that the project had been validated before the money was handed to him, and that he was the one who initiated the project by contacting the promoter to fulfill an election campaign promise to the youth of Akogbato regarding the development of a football field.

Issues and Discrepancies Noted by the Public Prosecutor

The deputy special prosecutor noted two key issues in the case. The first concerns the 200,000 FCFA, which both parties acknowledge were discussed, with a disagreement over their nature and the refusal or acceptance by the accused. The second relates to the 3 million FCFA, which the civil party presents as an increase requested by Akindès and which he presents as spontaneous political support.

The defense requested the summons of the assistant to the promoter of the Eya center, the main witness against the accused in the preliminary investigation report. The Court granted this request and postponed the case to July 6 to hear the complainant, allow the public prosecutor to present its requisitions, and permit the lawyers to plead.

The presumption of innocence applies to Samuel Akindès. The case is at the stage of adversarial instruction before the CRIET.