A Nigerian man appeared before Benin’s Court for the Repression of Economic Offenses and Terrorism (CRIET) on Monday, July 7, 2025, accused of involvement in high-risk international drug trafficking.
The defendant was apprehended at Cardinal Bernardin Gantin International Airport in Cotonou while attempting to leave the country with nearly 10 kilograms of cocaine concealed in his luggage.
During the court session, the accused claimed he had received the suitcase from an individual named El Hadj in Nigeria and insisted he was unaware of the illicit contents inside.
His lawyer echoed this defense, arguing that the defendant acted in good faith and was unaware of the drugs.
However, the prosecution strongly challenged this account, emphasizing the gravity of the crime.
Bip radio reported that the prosecutor demanded a 15-year prison sentence, with 10 years to be served behind bars, alongside a hefty fine of 5 million CFA francs.
The defense lawyer criticized these requests as excessive and disproportionate given the circumstances.
The case highlights ongoing concerns over drug trafficking networks operating across West Africa, where airports remain critical nodes in transnational drug routes.
Authorities at Cotonou’s international airport have intensified security measures in recent years to curb the smuggling of narcotics and protect regional stability.
As the trial continues, observers are keen to see whether the court will accept the defendant’s claim of ignorance or impose a stringent sentence in line with the prosecution’s call.
This case underscores the challenges Benin faces in combating organized crime and the urgent need for robust judicial action against drug trafficking offenses.
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