Three inmates escaped from the first class court of first instance in Parakou on the evening of Wednesday, October 8, 2025, causing panic among court staff and visitors.
According to local broadcaster Fraternité Fm, the escape occurred during a transfer between two departments within the court. Witnesses described a brief moment of inattention that allowed the prisoners to slip away amid the usual bustle of the courtroom.
“The scene was chaotic,” one observer said. “People were shouting and running in all directions. It happened so quickly that no one could intervene in time.”
Security forces were immediately alerted and launched a coordinated search operation across the court building and surrounding neighborhoods. By approximately 6 p.m., authorities reported that one of the fugitives had been found hiding in a gutter. The individual appeared exhausted and disoriented but was safely apprehended.
The remaining two escapees have not yet been located. Police patrols and ongoing searches continue throughout Parakou, with residents advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges in managing court security in Benin, where overcrowding and resource limitations can create vulnerabilities during prisoner transfers. Authorities have promised a thorough review of security protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The search for the remaining prisoners remains a top priority for local law enforcement, as residents and officials await their safe recapture.
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