Cotonou: A Malian national tried for fraudulent possession of an Equatorial Guinean passport

Stopped at Cotonou’s airport while attempting to enter Beninese territory with an Equatorial Guinean passport under the name Miguel, a man of Malian origin appeared in court on Tuesday, 24 June 2025.

The airport’s control system quickly revealed that the accused, identified as Mohamed, had previously passed through Cotonou using a Malian passport. These discrepancies aroused suspicions, leading to his arrest.

At the stand, the man admitted to the facts. He explained having obtained this second passport during a stay in Equatorial Guinea, a country where he claimed he had a relationship with a local woman, the mother of his children. According to his statements, this dual identity aimed to benefit from the advantages related to Equatorial Guinean nationality.

In tears, the accused pleaded for the court’s mercy, highlighting his family responsibilities.

The public prosecutor demanded a suspended prison sentence of 24 months, accompanied by a fine of 500,000 FCFA for the use of fake travel documents.

The verdict was postponed to July 1, 2025. Meanwhile, the man remains in detention.