Benin: two years in prison sought against Schadrac Houngnibo for disseminating false information

The defendant is charged with disseminating false information and electronic harassment, following content circulated on social media.

In court, the public prosecutor stated that the videos uploaded online were intended to mislead public opinion and to damage the image of the public body responsible for urban planning, namely the Société immobilière et d’aménagement urbain.

According to the prosecution, the alleged facts originate from publications related to an alleged expropriation of parcels in Togbin. The prosecutor’s office considers that these contents contributed to creating harmful confusion and discrediting the institution concerned.

Consequently, the first deputy of the special prosecutor asked the Court to keep the defendant in preventive detention, seeking a sentence of custodial imprisonment accompanied by a financial sanction.

On their side, the defense lawyers argued for pure and simple acquittal, challenging both the materiality of the facts and the alleged criminal intent attributed to their client. They contend that the incriminating publications fall within freedom of expression and do not constitute either a dissemination of false information or harassment.

The Court’s decision is expected on March 9, 2026.