The Cour de répression des infractions économiques et du terrorisme (CRIET) in Benin has confirmed the conviction of Idrissou Salifou Mohammed, alias Zanga, to 10 years in prison for sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl in Kandi, Alibori department. The incident occurred on July 17, 2023, at around 11 pm. The girl was at her parents' home when the perpetrator arrived and told her that her grandmother had sent him to fetch her.
According to reports, the girl followed Idrissou Salifou Mohammed to his residence on a motorcycle, where he allegedly held her and forced her into a sexual act. The assault continued the next day. The case was brought before the CRIET, which initially examined it in 2024. On May 27, 2024, Idrissou Salifou Mohammed was sentenced to 10 years in prison, including 7 years of hard labor, for sexual assault on a minor.
The initial sentence also included a fine of one million CFA francs and 200,000 CFA francs in damages to the Institut national de la femme (INF). However, the convicted individual appealed the decision. The case was reviewed by the CRIET's appeals chamber, which upheld the original sentence on July 2, 2025. Idrissou Salifou Mohammed was therefore confirmed to serve 10 years in prison, including 7 years of hard labor.
The CRIET's decision brings to a close a case that has drawn attention to the issue of child sexual abuse in Benin. The court's firm stance on the matter is seen as a step towards ensuring justice for victims of such heinous crimes. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and protection of minors from predators.
Idrissou Salifou Mohammed was 20 years old at the time of the incident, while the victim was just 11 years old. The significant age gap and the circumstances of the assault have raised concerns about the vulnerability of children to exploitation and abuse.
The case highlights the importance of the role of institutions such as the CRIET and the INF in protecting victims of sexual assault and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice. It also underscores the need for continued efforts to prevent such incidents and provide support to victims.
The confirmation of the sentence sends a strong message to potential perpetrators of child sexual abuse in Benin, emphasizing that such acts will not be tolerated and will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
Key points
- The CRIET upheld the 10-year prison sentence for Idrissou Salifou Mohammed, who sexually assaulted an 11-year-old girl in Kandi, Benin.
- The incident occurred on July 17, 2023, and the convicted individual was initially sentenced in 2024.
- The case highlights the need for protection of minors from predators and the importance of institutions in ensuring justice for victims of sexual assault.
