Fuel embezzlement case at the national navy: 24 months in prison sought against 2 former high-ranking military officials

Two high-ranking military officers are involved: Jean-Léon Olatoundji, former Chief of Staff of the National Navy, and Gounou Bio Marigo, former head of the Karimama river brigade.

The public prosecutor demanded a sentence of 24 months in prison, including 12 months of firm imprisonment, against the two defendants, who are prosecuted for abuse of office. According to the evidence presented at the hearing, they allegedly facilitated, or even organized, illicit trafficking of fuel on the Niger River, especially in the Malanville area. The prosecution suspects them of actively participating in a system of unlawful levies on the river users, accompanied by cash payments via mobile money.

The facts were uncovered following an investigation into fuel theft at the Cotonou naval base. The investigations carried out by the Economic and Financial Brigade (BEF) revealed financial irregularities estimated at several million CFA francs. According to the public prosecutor, Jean-Léon Olatoundji would have regularly received payments from Gounou Bio Marigo, allegedly linked to the fraudulent activities reported.

The defense vehemently denies the accusations. The lawyers of the former Chief of Staff, Me Ayodélé Ahounou and Me Timothée Yabit, condemned a procedure they deemed baseless and an attempt to artificially link their client to the crimes. According to them, none of the witnesses interviewed directly implicated Mr. Olatoundji in the fuel embezzlement.

A third defendant, prosecuted without a remand warrant, also appeared in the case. For lack of proof of his complicity, the public prosecutor requested his acquittal for the benefit of the doubt.

Jean-Léon Olatoundji and Gounou Bio Marigo have been in provisional custody since May 2024. Both continue to deny the facts. The verdict is expected on Thursday, October 9, 2025.