The special prosecutor at the Court for the repression of economic offenses and terrorism (CRIET) requested a five-year prison sentence for police commissioner Landry Bignon Delcoz Kindjanhoundé on 26 October 2026. Alongside the custodial term, the prosecution sought a one million CFA franc fine against the officer. These legal proceedings were initiated before the court in Benin. The request for sentencing follows the examination of charges brought against the commissioner. The court must now consider the prosecutor’s demands as the trial continues regarding the allegations.
Charges Against the Commissioner
Legal proceedings against Landry Bignon Delcoz Kindjanhoundé center on his conduct during the aftermath of a failed coup attempt in Cotonou. Investigators allege that the police commissioner recorded and shared a video on social media on 8 December 2025 while wearing his official uniform. Prosecutors assert that the content of this recording constitutes a criminal offense under local statutes.
Specific charges brought against the commissioner include a call to rebellion, apology for crimes against state security, and illegal possession of a firearm. The prosecution presented these counts to the court to justify the requested five-year prison term and the associated financial penalty. Officials maintain that these actions by a uniformed officer undermine the stability of state institutions.
Defense lawyer Julien Togbadja contested the prosecution's characterization of the event during the proceedings. He presented evidence regarding the mental state of the defendant to the court. "The commissioner suffers from severe trauma related to his deployment on the front lines of the anti-terrorism fight in the north of the country, explaining that the video was meant as a tribute to fallen soldiers," Julien Togbadja stated. He argued that the actions taken by his client should be viewed through the lens of his prior service rather than as a deliberate attempt to incite unrest.
The special court has concluded the initial phase of the trial and set a timeline for the conclusion of the case. A final verdict regarding the allegations against Landry Bignon Delcoz Kindjanhoundé is scheduled to be delivered on 14 December 2026. The judicial panel will weigh the prosecution's request for a custodial sentence against the defense's arguments concerning the commissioner's health and motivations before rendering a decision.
