Benin – Motorbike theft in Calavi: surveillance camera footage at the center of an uncertain trial
The Tribunal de première instance de Calavi examined on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, a case of motorcycle theft involving a tenant. Despite the presence of surveillance footage, the judge found the evidence insufficient to rule.
A young tenant, charged with motorcycle theft, appeared for acts that occurred in one of the neighborhoods of the commune of Abomey-Calavi. According to the complainant, he allegedly stole her motorcycle, which was later found not far from the residential area.
To support the complaint, footage from a surveillance camera installed in a neighboring house was presented in court. The sequences show an individual approaching the victim’s home before leaving with the vehicle.
However, the defendant categorically denied the allegations, saying he did not recognize himself in the silhouette visible on the videos. His lawyer added that the images lacked clarity and precision. According to the counsel quoted by bip radio, there is no element allowing one to state with certainty that my client is the person filmed.
Faced with these arguments, the court acknowledged the insufficiency of evidence to rule definitively. The judge adjourned the case to Tuesday, November 11, 2025, to allow the investigation to continue and for additional evidence to be collected. The defendant remains under judicial supervision for the time being, pending the continuation of the proceedings.
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