The Criet court's Chamber of Appeal and Detention has rejected an appeal by opposition figure Candide Azannaï against the denial of his request for provisional liberty. The decision was made on Thursday, September 24, 2026, after Azannaï appeared before the special court in Cotonou. Following the rejection, Azannaï was taken back to Akpro-Missérété prison. Azannaï's lawyer, Aboubacar Baparapé, was present during the appeal hearing.
Azannaï's request for provisional liberty was initially submitted on July 10, 2026, by his lawyer. However, the Chamber of Liberties and Detention of the Criet court rejected the request in a decision rendered on August 13, 2026. The defense team then filed an appeal, which was examined by the Chamber of Appeal and Detention of the Criet court on September 24. The appeal was ultimately rejected, confirming the initial decision.
The rejection of Azannaï's request means he will remain in detention while the judicial procedure continues. Azannaï has been in provisional detention since December 2025 in connection with a case related to the attempted coup d'état on December 7, 2025, in Benin. The judicial process is ongoing before the special court.
After the hearing, Azannaï was taken back to Akpro-Missérété prison. According to Libre Express, the news of the decision was announced by Azannaï's son, Aaron Vinawadon Tolidji M. Azannaï, on Facebook. The information was confirmed by judicial sources close to the case.
Azannaï's detention is related to an investigation into a failed coup attempt in December 2025. The case is being handled by the Criet court, a special court established to handle economic crimes and terrorism cases. The court's decision to maintain Azannaï in detention suggests that the investigation is ongoing.
The rejection of Azannaï's appeal is a significant development in the case. Azannaï's lawyer, Aboubacar Baparapé, had argued for his client's provisional liberty, but the court has decided that he should remain in detention. The case has garnered significant attention in Benin, given Azannaï's status as an opposition figure.
The Criet court's decision to reject Azannaï's request for provisional liberty has implications for his future. Azannaï will remain in detention until the judicial procedure is completed. The case is expected to continue before the special court, with further developments anticipated in the coming weeks or months.
Key points
- The Criet court has rejected opposition figure Candide Azannaï's request for provisional liberty.
- Azannaï has been in detention since December 2025 in connection with a case related to the attempted coup d'état in Benin.
- The judicial procedure against Azannaï is ongoing before the special Criet court.
