Houndégnon case: the file has again been referred to the criminal court

The case against the former Director General of the National Police, Louis-Philippe Houndégnon, has taken a new turn.

The appeals chamber of the Court for the Repression of Economic Offenses and Terrorism has referred the file back to the correctional chamber, ruling that the alleged acts fall within its jurisdiction. The decision was handed down on Monday, November 17, 2025.

This development marks a reversal from May, when the correctional chamber had declared itself incompetent, considering that the charges against Houndégnon and his co-defendant, Coffi Camille Amoussou, rather fell under criminal jurisdiction.

The two men immediately appealed, while requesting provisional release. Although the case has been referred back to the correctional chamber, the request for provisional release was, however, denied.

The former DGPN is being prosecuted for harassment via electronic communications and incitement to rebellion.

The charges stem from public statements made by the former head of the police after his early retirement. Houndégnon notably claimed to have been approached by individuals seeking to organize a coup d’État against President Patrice Talon. He also criticized certain government reforms.