Paulin Akponna Case: the High Commission for the Prevention of Corruption enters the scene
New developments in the alleged embezzlement of tens of billions of CFA francs destined for water and electricity access in the municipality of Parakou. The High Commission for Corruption Prevention (HCPC), led by Jacques Migan, officially announced this Tuesday, July 1, 2025, that it has taken up the case.
SUMMARY
In a public statement, the HCPC specified that it would gather information from the Ministry of Energy, Water, and Mines, with the aim of analyzing the reported events. Goal: to assess the effectiveness of corruption prevention mechanisms within the ministry and, if necessary, formulate corrective recommendations.
Establishing an Expert Commission
In this process, a special commission to verify investments in the water and energy sector in Parakou has been created. It is composed of multidisciplinary experts and will have to present its report within four weeks.
This intervention by the HCPC marks a turning point in the management of the case, hitherto mainly driven by political and media accusations.
Review of the facts
On June 21, 2025, former Minister of Energy Paulin Akponna dropped a bombshell at a meeting in Parakou, speaking of the siphoning off tens of billions of fcfa intended to provide electricity and water to the people of Parakou.
The Republican Bloc, Akponna’s party, distanced itself from his statement. The minister was dismissed from the government by President Patrice Talon. The former minister Samou Séidou Adambi filed a lawsuit against him.
Paulin Akponna eventually made public apologies to the head of state and members of the government.
While the party The Democrats threatened to seize the HCPC to demand an investigation, the initiative taken by the anti-corruption body could restore confidence to the public, which awaits full clarity on this case.
All eyes are now turned towards the report expected in four weeks, which could relaunch, confirm or close one of the biggest presumed scandals of public fund management in Parakou.
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