Prosecutor: Presidential guard and ex-minister arrested

Three men in Benin, including a former minister and the man responsible for President Patrice Talon's security, have been arrested on suspicion of planning a coup, the prosecutor said.

Former sports minister Oswald Homeky was caught on Tuesday handing over six bags of money to Republican Guard chief Elonm Mario Metonou, the prosecutor said at a press conference.

Investigators said Colonel Djimon Dieudonne Tevoedjre was bribed not to oppose a coup planned for Friday in the small West African country.

Also arrested was businessman Olivier Boko, a friend of President Talon who had recently hinted at having political ambitions.

Mr Boko’s lawyers and supporters condemned his so-called “abduction” and called for his immediate release.

The investigation to identify other suspects is still ongoing, the public prosecutor's office said.

Benin, once hailed as a multi-party democracy, has become more autocratic under the presidency of Patrice Talon, human rights groups say.

President Talon announced that he will not seek a third term in the 2026 elections.

Since 2020, there have been eight military takeovers and several other coup attempts in West and Central Africa.