A man in his fifties is standing trial before Benin’s Court for the Repression of Economic Offenses and Terrorism (CRIET), accused of influence peddling after allegedly receiving 10 million CFA francs in exchange for promising to secure the release of a detained individual.
According to local media outlet Banouto, the case originated when a relative of a person imprisoned for involvement in the sale of counterfeit medicines sought external help to obtain his release.
The relative turned to a longtime acquaintance, believed to have influential contacts, who agreed to assist—on the condition that 10 million CFA francs be paid upfront.
Despite the payment, the promise was never fulfilled. The inmate remained behind bars and was eventually convicted by the CRIET. Feeling defrauded, the family member filed a formal complaint, leading to the arrest of the alleged intermediary, who was subsequently remanded in custody.
During a court appearance on July 29, 2025, the defendant, dressed in a traditional white robe beneath a prison vest, admitted to receiving the money. He claimed the funds were used to prepare a legal defense for the detainee, including covering legal fees and arranging potential bail. The man also stated that he had returned 5.5 million CFA francs after his arrest and was working on repaying the balance.
The prosecution has requested a 24-month prison sentence and a fine of 2 million CFA francs, asserting that the facts establish a clear case of influence peddling. Prosecutors urged the court to deliver a guilty verdict based on the accused’s admission and the sequence of events.
However, the defense argued for acquittal, maintaining that the accused was approached in a specific context and did not initially solicit the payment. According to his lawyers, the circumstances do not legally constitute influence peddling.
The court is expected to deliver its verdict on October 14, 2025.
About The Author
