Chabi Yayi, the son of former Beninese president and prominent opposition leader Thomas Boni Yayi, was taken into custody in the early hours of Sunday at his residence, according to accounts from several family members and close associates.
As of the time of reporting, authorities had not disclosed the reasons for his arrest, heightening uncertainty and speculation across the country.
Relatives said they were unaware of any formal charges against him, noting that security operatives provided no explanation during the arrest. A close associate within the Democrats party, the main opposition platform currently led by Thomas Boni Yayi, said it was unclear whether the detention was connected to the failed coup attempt that occurred a week earlier. The lack of official clarification has intensified political anxiety in a nation already on edge.
The arrest comes against the backdrop of heightened security operations following the attempted overthrow of the government on December 7. In the days since, Benin has witnessed a series of detentions linked to the plot. Among those already taken into custody is Candide Azannai, a former defence minister and a notable opposition figure, who was reportedly arrested on allegations of “conspiracy against the authority of the State and incitement to rebellion.”
Thomas Boni Yayi had publicly denounced the coup attempt in a video address released two days after the incident, distancing himself and his political movement from the plot. Despite this condemnation, the detention of his son has fuelled concerns among opposition supporters about a broader crackdown.
Authorities have also escalated actions beyond Benin’s borders. An international arrest warrant has been issued for pan-African activist Kemi Seba, accused of “inciting rebellion” after he publicly praised the coup attempt as the country’s “day of liberation.” In a video response released on Sunday, Seba said he had taken precautions following the warrant, without revealing his location, and declared defiantly, “You can never stop us. We will go to the end of our fight.”
Seba, whose real name is Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi, is a well-known anti-Western influencer with a large online following. Born Franco-Beninese, he was stripped of his French citizenship in 2024 and now reportedly travels on a Nigerien passport issued by the country’s military rulers. He has consistently expressed support for military juntas in the Sahel region and maintains a hostile stance toward France and African governments aligned with Paris.
Meanwhile, several individuals accused of leading the failed coup, including Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, remain at large as security agencies continue their search. The arrest of Chabi Yayi has added a new layer of political sensitivity to an already volatile situation, with many watching closely to see how authorities will proceed.
What you should know
Benin is experiencing heightened political tension following a failed coup attempt on December 7, which has led to multiple arrests and intensified security actions.
The detention of Chabi Yayi, son of former president Thomas Boni Yayi, has raised concerns within opposition circles, especially as no official reason has been provided. Authorities have also targeted figures accused of supporting the coup, including issuing an international arrest warrant for activist Kemi Seba.
With key suspects still at large, the situation underscores growing instability and fears of political repression in the aftermath of the aborted takeover.
