Benin: Justice releases a young man accused of stealing batteries by his father, the fence condemned
A 25-year-old man appeared before the Abomey-Calavi court on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, suspected of stealing five batteries from a photovoltaic device belonging to his own father. The case, unusual in its family context, found its conclusion with a verdict marked by the judge’s leniency.
The batteries, each valued at 150,000 CFA francs, were resold to a buyer of used iron. In court, the defendant confessed to the crime and expressed his remorse, apologizing to the victim, his father. The latter, present at the hearing, pleaded for his son’s acquittal and renounced any compensation.
The receiver of the stolen items attempted to defend himself by claiming to have bought the equipment without knowing their fraudulent origin. However, the judge maintained the charge of handling stolen goods.
At the end of the hearing, the court acquitted the son, relying on parental immunity provided by the law. On the other hand, the receiver was sentenced to four months of prison and a fine of 100,000 CFA francs.
In his address to the main defendant, the judge reminded that familial trust should never be betrayed, and that the younger generation should honor their parents through virtuous actions.
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