Benin: two youths tried before CRIET for kidnapping of a 12-year-old child
Two young men, being prosecuted for extortion in a kidnapping case, appeared this Thursday, July 10, 2025, before the Court for the Repression of Economic Crimes and Terrorism (CRIET). They are accused of kidnapping a child of about 12 years and demanding a ransom for his release.
According to the facts presented at the hearing, the events date back to only a few weeks ago. The defendants allegedly abducted the young boy before contacting his parents to demand an initial sum of 30,000 FCFA. Once the amount was paid, the kidnappers refused to release the child and demanded more.
Faced with the escalating demands, the parents turned to the Republican police. The case was handed over to the criminal brigade, which facilitated the arrest of the suspects in Lokossa, found in possession of the child.
During their first appearance, one of the accused admitted to the facts, while the other denied them. This latter finally changed his version during the hearing on July 10, confessing his involvement in the kidnapping.
The public prosecutor, represented by a substitute special prosecutor, requested a sentence of three years of firm imprisonment and a fine of one million FCFA for each of the accused, considering the facts established in light of the debates.
The judge took note of the requests and announced the referral of the case to a later hearing in October for deliberation.
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