Me Jean Yaovi Dégli, a Togolese lawyer and former minister, has spoken out about the alleged poisoning at his home in Kpalimé on November 8, 2025. In a statement released on November 8, 2026, he expressed his frustration with the judicial procedure, which he claims has been blocked. According to Dégli, the investigation has been hindered by the disappearance of crucial evidence, including toxicological samples and a suspicious product collected by the judicial police.
The alleged poisoning incident involved unknown individuals who used a drone to poison animals and plants on Dégli's property. Despite the seriousness of the incident, Dégli claims that the judicial procedure has been paralyzed. An investigation was launched, and a judge in Kpalimé issued several rogatory commissions to facilitate the investigation. However, these commissions were never executed, and the case was withdrawn from the investigating magistrate at the request of the public prosecutor's office.
Dégli's concerns go beyond the blockage of the procedure. He also highlights the disappearance of several elements that could contribute to establishing the facts. These include toxicological samples taken from dead fish and plants, which were sent to the Lomé Hygiene Service for analysis but never arrived. The director of the Kpalimé health department claims that the samples were received by an agent, while the director of the Lomé Hygiene Service denies receiving them.
The disappearance of evidence also includes a sealed package containing a toxic substance found on Dégli's property, which was collected by the judicial police. According to Dégli, the services concerned are no longer able to find the sealed package. These revelations raise serious questions about the traceability of the samples, the conservation of evidence, and the preservation of the integrity of the material elements necessary for the manifestation of the truth.
Dégli suspects that there may be a deliberate attempt to stifle the case. He denounces a "grave dysfunction of the justice system" and claims that the circumstances surrounding the handling of the case give the impression of organized protection for those involved. The former minister suggests that the alleged perpetrators and their motivations may be known to certain authorities.
Dégli is demanding justice, truth, and protection for himself and his loved ones. He calls for the light to be shed on the circumstances of the incident and the conditions of disappearance of the health samples and the sealed package. He also requests that his personal safety, as well as that of his family, close relatives, and property, be fully guaranteed.
This case highlights the importance of diligence, procedural transparency, and protection of evidence in the functioning of the judicial institution. The effectiveness of justice is also measured by its ability to conduct procedures to their term, while respecting the competences legally established and the guarantees recognized to all parties.
Key points
- Me Jean Yaovi Dégli denounces judicial inaction and disappearance of evidence in alleged poisoning case.
