Benin: activist Abel Sossou arrested by the CNIN for inflammatory publications
Activist Abel was arrested for spreading false news and content deemed defamatory, targeting in particular Beninese authorities.
SUMMARY
Arrest of Sossou Abel, aka ABELVIDO De Brave Yôyô, detained after publishing a fake message announcing the death of Minister of State Romuald Wadagni. On November 12, 2025, the man crossed a critical threshold by sharing on his Facebook page a completely fabricated report of a “fatal accident” involving the minister in Dogbo, in the Couffo. The message quickly circulated and prompted numerous reports.
However, this fake death was only the visible part of a series of problematic posts circulated for several months. Since August 2025, the individual had regularly shared content targeting the Head of State, the CNIN and several public figures. Between montages, serious insinuations and defamatory remarks, both the volume and nature of the posts had already alerted the authorities.
Malicious and damaging publications
Among the incriminated visuals, one depicted President Patrice Talon in a staged scene considered inappropriate involving a young girl. Other messages directly accused the Head of State of immoral acts or corruption, while some posts shared by the account “Première Gay Man du Bénin” amplified the reach of these contents.
According to the available elements, the repeated attacks were clearly intended to damage the image of institutions and to sow discredit in public opinion. Several screenshots show calls to “subscribe to obtain compromising videos,” as well as direct accusations aimed at the President of the Republic and the Centre National d’investigation numérique.
The content of these messages even implied the existence of compromising videos, with an explicit prompt to contact the author privately.
Faced with the multiplication of these publications, the activist was arrested and placed in police custody. He is reportedly a miller by trade and resides in the commune of Allada.
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