Beninese businessman Olivier Boko, a long-time friend of President Patrice Talon, was arrested on the night of Monday 23 to Tuesday 24 September in Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin, according to several of his relatives. “He was arrested in the early morning by men who said they were from the criminal squad.” one of his relatives told Agence France-Presse (AFP) on condition of anonymity. The judicial and police authorities have not confirmed his arrest, the reasons for which are still unknown.
Olivier Boko, 60, head of the Food and Food Supplies group (DFA), has been friends with Patrice Talon for twenty years, which has earned him the right to be described as the “right-hand man” of the head of state. . who has never had an official role in the presidential organisation. But in recent months, the businessman had begun to show his own political ambitions, suggesting that he would run for the top job in 2026, which would have displeased Patrice Talon. The latter, in power since 2016, will reach the end of his second term in 2026. The Benin Constitution sets the presidential term limit at two terms.
“Olivier is indeed in custody, we are mobilizing our staff to give him our support and demand his release”Another of his relatives said anonymously. Former Sports Minister (2016-2023) Oswald Homeky was also arrested overnight, according to several of his friends. He resigned from his post a year ago, after asking for support for Olivier Boko’s candidacy in 2026 to succeed Patrice Talon.
