Trois hommes arrêtés : un "coup d'État" déjoué au Bénin ? • FRANCE 24

Summary

The arrest of Olivier Bocot, a key figure in Benin's political landscape and close ally of President Patrice Talon, caused a significant stir. Shortly after Bocot's detention, former sports minister Osval Lumeki was also arrested, accused of plotting a coup against Talon alongside Bocot. The plan allegedly involved bribing the head of the presidential guard. The arrests sparked outrage among their legal teams, who criticized procedural violations, including nighttime arrests and lack of legal warrants. They demand the immediate release of both men, claiming the legal process was violated.

Takeaways

• ⚡ The news of Olivier Bocot's arrest caused a shockwave in Benin; he was a key figure in the government and close ally of President Patrice Talon.
• 🛑 Shortly after Bocot's arrest, former Sports Minister Oswald Lumeki, also a former close associate of the President, was detained.
• ⚔️ The arrests were linked to an alleged coup attempt against President Talon involving the commander of the Republican Guard.
• 👮 The commander of the Republican Guard was reportedly approached by Lumeki and Bocot to orchestrate a coup.
• 🚓 The arrests took place during a handover of a vehicle and a sum of 1.5 billion CFA francs, leading to the involvement of the Criminal Brigade.
• ⚖️ The lawyers for Bocot and Lumeki have condemned the conditions of their arrests, stating that neither their families nor their legal representatives know their whereabouts.
• 🚫 The legal team argues that the arrests violate procedural rules, particularly highlighting that Bocot was not under any judicial investigation nor had he received any legal summons or arrest warrant.
• ⏰ Lumeki's arrest occurred during the night, and his lawyers argue that it breaches Article 53 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which prohibits home searches and arrests between 9 PM and 6 AM.
• 🔓 The legal team demands the immediate and unconditional release of Bocot and Lumeki, citing the illegality of the procedure.
• 🕵️ According to a source close to the Republican Guard commander, Dieu Donné TB, he has reportedly been allowed to move freely.

Q & A

Who is Olivier Bocot, and why is his arrest significant?

Olivier Bocot is a key figure in the Beninese government and a close ally of President Patrice Talon. His arrest is significant because he is considered one of the pillars of the current regime, making his detainment a major political development in Benin.

What charges have been brought against Olivier Bocot?

Olivier Bocot is accused of plotting a coup d'état against President Patrice Talon, alongside other prominent figures, including former sports minister Oswal Lumeki.

Who is Oswal Lumeki, and what is his involvement in this situation?

Oswal Lumeki is a former sports minister and another close associate of President Patrice Talon. He has also been arrested in connection with the alleged coup plot, marking his involvement in the political turmoil.

What role did the commander of the Republican Guard play in this plot?

The commander of the Republican Guard, responsible for the security of the president, was allegedly approached by Oswal Lumeki and Olivier Bocot to participate in the coup d'état against President Talon. He was reportedly offered money and vehicles as part of the scheme.

What evidence is there regarding the coup plot?

According to prosecutor Mario Metonou, the criminal brigade arrested Oswal Lumeki and the commander of the Republican Guard during the handover of a vehicle and a sum of 1.5 billion CFA francs, which was allegedly intended to facilitate the coup.

What are the legal concerns raised by Olivier Bocot's defense team?

Bocot's lawyers have raised concerns about the legality of his arrest, stating that he was detained without prior judicial proceedings, a formal summons, or an arrest warrant. They also claim that the arrest took place during unauthorized hours, violating procedural laws.

What is the stance of the legal defense regarding the arrests of Olivier Bocot and Oswal Lumeki?

The legal defense argues that the arrests are illegal due to procedural violations, such as arrests made outside legal hours for searches and seizures. They demand the immediate and unconditional release of both Bocot and Lumeki.

What procedural violations are alleged by Olivier Bocot's defense team?

The defense team alleges that Olivier Bocot’s arrest was made outside the legally permissible hours for home searches and seizures (after 9 PM and before 6 AM), as outlined in Article 53 of the Beninese Code of Criminal Procedure.

What has been the reaction from Olivier Bocot's family and lawyers following his arrest?

Bocot’s family and lawyers have expressed frustration, stating that they do not know where he is being held, which they see as a flagrant violation of basic legal procedures and rights.

What is the current status of the commander of the Republican Guard after the arrests?

According to a close associate of the commander, it appears that he has been released and is free to move about, despite his initial involvement in the coup plot investigation.