$2.5 Million Coup Attempt Crushed In Benin Republic—Former Minister, Security Chief Arrested

Authorities in the Benin Republic have reportedly thwarted an attempted coup, which was set to take place on Friday. Prosecutors disclosed on Wednesday that the alleged plot, involving high-level officials, was uncovered just days before the planned takeover.

Elonm Metonou, the special prosecutor at Benin’s financial crimes and terrorism court, confirmed the arrest of former Sports Minister Oswald Homeky on Tuesday night. Homeky was caught delivering six bags of cash to Djimon Tevoedjre, commander of the Republican Guard, who oversees the security of President Patrice Talon.

“It seems the commander responsible for the president’s security was recruited by Minister Homeky and Olivier Boko to stage a coup on September 27, 2024,” stated Metonou.

The prosecutor revealed that the seized funds, amounting to roughly 1.5 billion West African CFA francs ($2.5 million), were found in Homeky’s vehicle, a Toyota Prado with falsified license plates. Investigators also discovered a bank account under Tevoedjre’s name in Côte d’Ivoire, opened in early August.

Olivier Boko, a businessman and close confidant of President Talon, was also implicated in the scheme. Arrested earlier this week in Cotonou, Boko is said to have joined forces with Homeky, bribing military officials to ensure no resistance during the planned coup. Boko, who has made his presidential ambitions clear for the 2026 elections, is now under investigation.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the conspiracy, with efforts underway to identify and apprehend other individuals involved.

Since 2020, multiple West African countries have faced coups or attempted military takeovers. President Talon, in power since 2016, has faced criticism from opponents who accuse him of eroding democratic institutions and consolidating power.