Embezzlement at the former ORTB: Heavy sentences and acquittals
The verdict has been delivered in the case of public funds misappropriation involving the former Broadcasting and Television Office of Benin (ORTB), now the Broadcasting and Television Society of Benin (SRTB). After two days of hearings, the criminal chamber of the CRIET made its decision on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Of the nine accused, two were acquitted, while seven others were sentenced to heavy penalties, ranging from 4 to 10 years of hard labor for events that occurred between June 2017 and August 2019.
SUMMARY
This case originated from an audit conducted by the General Finance Inspection (GFI), which uncovered serious financial irregularities in the management of the former ORTB in Parakou between 2017 and 2019. Several hundred million FCFA were thus diverted at the expense of the public institution.
After two days of trial and intense debates, Mozart Dah Dangbénon Abel Aristide and Quenum Saka were acquitted on the benefit of the doubt, as the charges of embezzlement and complicity were not upheld against them. However, seven defendants have received severe sentences, after requalification of the facts:
- Coffi Codjia Hyacinthe, former financial director, was sentenced to 10 years of criminal imprisonment, along with a fine of 100 million FCFA and damages of 147 million FCFA to be paid to the SRTB for misappropriation of public funds and money laundering.
- Dango Zato Loukyatou, former regional director in Parakou, was sentenced to 4 years in prison, a fine of 10 million FCFA, and 12 million in damages for complicity in embezzlement and money laundering.
- Quenum Ludvin Gildacio, accounting officer, received a prison sentence of 7 years, a fine of 100 million, and 40 million FCFA in damages.
- Choukpa Alex, also an accounting officer, was given 4 years of imprisonment, a fine of 10 million, and 18 million in damages.
- Pesse Sotinma Dieudonné was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment, a fine of 10 million, and 5 million in damages for complicity in embezzlement.
- Hounnou Elpidio, service provider, was also sentenced to 4 years in prison and a fine of 10 million for false certificates and complicity in embezzlement.
Seizures and Civil Reparations
Also, the Court ordered the seizure of several assets (parcels, vehicles) belonging to Coffi Codjia Hyacinthe and Quenum Ludvin Gildacio, considered purchased with the diverted funds. Besides, the SRTB and the State Judicial Agent (AJE) were recognized as civil parties, with individualized damages charged to the convicted individuals.
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