Benin Court Rules Against Houndegnon; Fate of Case Uncertain

Benin Court Declares Incompetence in Houndegnon Case; Further Investigation Ordered A Benin court has declared itself incompetent to hear the case against Louis Philippe Houndegnon, former director of the national police. The decision, delivered on May 19th, 2025, has prompted the prosecution to seek a judge to investigate the nature of the alleged offenses. According to one of the lawyers involved, Maître Eli Dovono, "the prosecution will request a judge within 24 hours to determine whether we are dealing with criminal or delictual acts." The court’s decision leaves the case’s future uncertain, pending this further investigation. The lawyer indicated that if the judge determines the actions are criminal, the case will be transferred to a criminal court. If the judge finds the actions are delictual, it will go to a correctional court. If the investigation yields neither conclusion, the case will be dismissed. The defense has been granted 15 days to appeal the court’s decision. This development follows an earlier hearing where the public prosecutor sought a two-year prison sentence and a fine against Houndegnon. The case also involves Houndegnon’s nephew, Camille Yamoussoukou, who is accused of harassment via electronic means and incitement to rebellion. The outcome of the investigation will determine the next steps in this complex legal battle.