Two individuals in Benin have been convicted for spreading false information about the former Director General of the Republican Police, Soumaïla Yaya.
The Court for the Repression of Economic Offenses and Terrorism (CRIET) delivered its ruling on Monday, August 4, 2025, sentencing both defendants to six months’ suspended imprisonment and a fine of one million CFA francs each.
The case stemmed from viral social media posts in early March 2025, which falsely alleged that Soumaïla Yaya had fled Benin by river into neighbouring Nigeria.
The claims sparked public confusion and prompted an investigation by the National Center for Digital Investigations (CNIN).
According to Libre Express, the court downgraded the initial charges of “harassment through an electronic system” and “publication of false information” to the lesser charge of “publication of false news.” Despite the reclassification, the court found sufficient evidence to hold both individuals accountable.
One of the accused, a prince from Parakou, admitted during a hearing on March 31 that he had shared the misleading information in two WhatsApp groups. However, he denied authoring the message himself, claiming it had already been circulating online. He further noted that an administrator of one of the groups had deleted the message shortly after it was posted.
Among those arrested was also a local king, whose involvement added a layer of public interest to the case. Both individuals were taken into custody on March 9 after appearing before the special prosecutor.
The ruling highlights the growing seriousness with which Benin’s judiciary is treating the spread of misinformation, particularly when it concerns high-ranking officials. It also signals an intent to maintain public trust in national institutions amid a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
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