A man accused of impersonating a police commissioner to defraud business owners appeared before the Abomey-Calavi Second Class Court of First Instance on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
According to local media outlet Bip Radio, the hearing was attended by both the defendant and the alleged victim, as the court examined claims of fraud and misappropriation of title.
Court documents detail that the accused carried out an organised scheme across several bars in the town of Hêvié.
Posing as a police officer on a supposed monitoring mission, he reportedly checked the establishments’ operating permits and identified “offenses” relating to noise violations. Bar owners, anxious over potential closures, allegedly paid sums of money to the man to avoid sanctions.
The ruse was uncovered when the suspect encountered a genuine police patrol. Initially claiming to be an assistant commissioner in Akplomè, he later introduced himself as the head of a local sports association. Confronted with mounting evidence, the accused admitted to the scheme during his hearing.
The public prosecutor requested a 36-month prison sentence along with a fine of 200,000 CFA francs. The court has adjourned the case, with a final verdict scheduled for October 22, 2025.
Legal experts noted that cases involving impersonation of public officials are treated with particular severity in Benin, given the potential harm to both public trust and local businesses. The proceedings have drawn attention in the community, highlighting the vulnerabilities of small business owners to sophisticated fraud schemes.
Local authorities have urged proprietors to verify the identity of officials and report suspicious behaviour immediately, stressing that fraud prevention remains a critical component of community safety.
The case continues to unfold, and the coming court decision is expected to set a precedent for handling similar incidents in the region.
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