Dangnivo case: the trial resumes this morning before the Cotonou court

This new hearing is part of a legal case that is nearly sixteen years old and continues to attract significant public attention.

The hearing follows several postponements aimed at allowing the submission of evidence and the preparation of arguments. Previous hearings have been marked by intense disputes between the public prosecutor, the defense lawyers, and those representing the civil party, particularly regarding the reclassification of the facts.

At the heart of the case are Codjo Cossi Alofa and Donatien Amoussou, who are being prosecuted in this matter. The public prosecutor has sought 30 years of criminal imprisonment and a fine of 150 million FCFA against Codjo Alofa, while requesting the abandonment of charges against Donatien Amoussou on the grounds of reasonable doubt.

The case dates back to August 2010, with the disappearance of Pierre Urbain Dangnivo, an official in the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Since then, the investigation and legal proceedings have undergone numerous twists and turns, including the discovery of a body contested by the family, retraction of confessions, allegations of manipulation, and multiple postponements of the trial.

Today’s hearing is expected to be devoted to continuing the defense’s arguments and any possible replies from the various parties, before the court deliberates on the case or decides on a new postponement.