The legal troubles of writer and politician Constantin Amoussou have deepened after a court in Benin ordered his remand in custody ahead of a trial scheduled for next month.
Amoussou, a former candidate in the 2023 legislative elections in the 6th electoral district, appeared before the Abomey-Calavi Court of First Instance on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, following several days in police detention. At the end of the hearing, the judge ruled that he would remain in custody until the start of his trial on October 2.
The case stems from a complaint filed in mid-September alleging the rape of a minor. Amoussou was arrested on September 16 and initially held at the Fifadji police station, where he strongly denied the accusations. The investigation, however, quickly escalated and has now moved into the judicial phase.
According to preliminary reports, the incident that led to the charges arose during a meeting reportedly initiated by Amoussou himself.
The meeting, described as part of a literary and personal collaboration project, was attended by the alleged victim and her father. It was the father who later reported the matter to authorities, prompting the current legal proceedings.
While Amoussou continues to maintain his innocence and remains protected under the presumption of innocence, the prosecution’s evidence has raised significant questions and fuelled intense public debate. The case has become a major topic of discussion on social media, with opinions sharply divided over the allegations and the possible outcomes.
Observers say the October 2 trial will be closely watched, not only because of Amoussou’s public profile but also due to the sensitive nature of the charges. The case touches on broader societal issues, including sexual violence and accountability among public figures, which have drawn increasing scrutiny in Benin’s political and cultural landscape.
For now, Amoussou’s legal battle continues behind bars as prosecutors and defence lawyers prepare for what is expected to be a closely followed courtroom showdown. The outcome of the trial could have far-reaching consequences for the writer’s career and reputation, as well as for the wider debate over justice and protection for minors in the country.
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