Africa Eye
In Cotonou, the trial of two former allies of President Patrice Talon, accused of “plotting against the authority of the state,” opened on Tuesday morning but was promptly postponed to the following day.
Olivier Boko, a prominent businessman and close confidant of President Talon, and Oswald Homéky, the former Minister of Sports, were arrested in late September in the West African nation. They face charges of “conspiracy against state authority, bribery of a public official, and forgery.” Alongside them, three other defendants also appeared in court, all pleading not guilty during the opening session held at the Court for the Suppression of Economic Crimes and Terrorism (Criet).
Mr. Boko, dressed sharply in a tailored suit and displaying a relaxed demeanor, was seen smiling as he entered the courtroom, according to a journalist on the scene.
However, the proceedings were immediately marked by controversy. Defense lawyers objected to the tribunal’s composition, which included only three judges instead of the usual five. The Special Prosecutor argued that the law permits a reduced panel when there are not enough magistrates available.
In protest, the defense team withdrew from the case. The court subsequently instructed the defendants to appoint new legal representatives, which led to the trial’s postponement.
Expressing frustration over the situation, Olivier Boko criticized the court for the lack of preparation time given to new lawyers, stating:
“It’s impossible for new counsel to familiarize themselves with the case in such a short time. You might as well convict me outright—this delay is completely unreasonable.”
Baadhio Issouf, the former head of the Burkina Faso Bar Association and lead defense counsel for Mr. Boko and Mr. Homéky, condemned what he described as “serious irregularities” in the trial process. He explained that the defense could not proceed under such conditions, as doing so would “compromise our oaths and integrity.”
Mr. Issouf also criticized the treatment of the defendants, revealing that they were being held in conditions where they were “locked up 24 hours a day with no opportunity for outdoor access.”
The trial has now been rescheduled, leaving questions about fairness and due process hanging over the case.
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