Chabi Yayi, son of former Benin Republic president and opposition leader Thomas Boni Yayi, was arrested early Sunday at his residence, according to relatives, AFP reports. No official reason was given for the arrest, which comes about a week after a failed coup attempt in the country. Relatives and associates said they were unaware of any formal charges against him.
“At this time, we don’t know what he is accused of,” one relative said, while a close friend added, “We don’t know if it is linked to the events of last Sunday.” Thomas Boni Yayi had earlier condemned the abortive coup in a video address. Authorities have since carried out several arrests connected to the December 7 putsch attempt.
Those detained include former defence minister Candide Azannai, who was placed in custody for “conspiracy against the authority of the State and incitement to rebellion.” Benin also issued an international arrest warrant for influencer Kemi Seba over alleged “inciting rebellion,” while several suspected coup plotters, including Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, remain at large.