Benin: the government responds to the arrest of journalist Comlan Hugues Sossoukpè
Apprehended in Abidjan and extradited to Benin, Comlan Hugues Sossoukpè, the promoter of the online media outlet Olofofo, is accused of several serious offenses. The government spokesperson, Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji, responded to his arrest on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
SUMMARY
“I am firstly surprised that you mention the accused as a colleague,” fires back Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji, visibly irritated, reacting to the arrest of Comlan Hugues Sossoukpè. Interviewed on Zone Franche, the political show of Canal3 Benin, the government spokesperson didn’t mince words when discrediting the accused, referring to him as a “political activist” rather than a journalist.
He invites the press to verify whether the suspect holds a professional card issued by the High Authority for Broadcasting and Communication (HAAC).
On substance, the government denies any infringement on press freedom. Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji asserts that Benin remains committed to freedom of expression, provided it is exercised within the confines of responsibility and legality.
“Freedom of expression comes with the duty to stand behind your words or, at the very least, to prove them”, he stresses while blaming Comlan Hugues Sossoukpè for frequent untruthful and outrageous publications.
The apprehension of the promoter Olofofo, which took place in Abidjan on July 10, 2025, is nothing short of kidnapping, according to the government. For Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji, it was a legal police intervention that resulted in his return to Beninese soil. “Those who have nothing to hide don’t hide to do their work,” he concludes.
An accusation in four parts
Comlan Hugues Sossoukpè appeared on Monday, July 14, before the Court of Repression of Economic Crimes and Terrorism (CRIET), where he was present in front of the liberty and detention chamber. Following this hearing, the Court decided to keep him in preventive detention.
According to his lawyer, Me Aboubacar Baparapé, several charges are being levied against his client, including incitement to rebellion, incitement to hatred and violence, electronic harassment, and praising terrorism. The Olofofo media outlet he ran is already suspended by authorities’ decision.
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