Chabi Yayi, son of former Beninese president and prominent opposition figure Thomas Boni Yayi, was arrested early Sunday morning at his residence, according to family members. As of the time of the arrest, no official reason had been given by authorities, raising fresh questions amid the tense political climate in the country.
Relatives and close associates say they are still in the dark about the allegations against him. One family member told AFP that they were yet to be informed of any charges, while a close friend within the Democrats party — the main opposition party led by Boni Yayi — said it was unclear whether the arrest was connected to the failed coup attempt reported last week.
Former president Boni Yayi had publicly condemned the attempted coup in a video message released two days after the incident. However, the situation has continued to escalate, with several arrests already made since the December 7 putsch attempt.
Among those detained is former defence minister and key opposition figure Candide Azannai, who was placed in police custody on charges of conspiracy against the authority of the state and incitement to rebellion. Authorities have also issued an international arrest warrant for pan-Africanist activist Kemi Seba.
Seba, who responded defiantly in a video message on Sunday, said he had taken precautions since the warrant was issued, though he did not disclose his current location. He described the coup attempt as Benin’s “day of liberation” and insisted that the movement could not be stopped.
Benin accuses Seba of inciting rebellion. The outspoken activist, who has a strong anti-Western stance and significant social media following, was stripped of his French citizenship in 2024 and now reportedly travels on a Nigerien passport issued by the country’s military rulers.
Meanwhile, several alleged coup plotters, including the reported leader Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, are still at large as security forces continue their search. The unfolding arrests suggest that the political and security fallout from the failed coup is far from over.
