Steve Amoussou’s Affair: A Judicial Travesty in Benin
The Steve Amoussou affair is causing an uproar in Benin, with many questioning the possible links between kidnappers and justice.
The Steve Amoussou affair is currently shaking the judicial and political landscape of Benin. The man, who was the victim of a vicious kidnapping in Lomé under mysterious circumstances, is today in custody in Benin and is being prosecuted by the CRIET (Court to Combat Economic Crime and Terrorism) on several charges, including for “harassment by electronic means” and “a call to rebellion”.
Harassment Evidence from Jimmy Gandaho
One of the key pieces of this case is the testimony of Jimmy Gandaho, one of the alleged kidnappers. During his hearing before CRIET, on September 3, 2024, Gandaho explained how a certain Ayi Marcellin, a man living in Indonesia, contacted him to recover an alleged debt of 10 million FCFA owed to him by Steve Amoussou.
According to Gandaho, Ayi Marcellin promised him a 30% commission on the amount, as well as martial arts equipment and a trip to Indonesia in exchange for his services. “He gave me the picture of Steve Amoussou, told his home and asked me to do everything to find him,” Jimmy Gandaho explained to the judges.
A Case that Raises Questions
Gandaho’s story, instead of clarifying the matter, only reinforces the questions surrounding the kidnapping of Steve Amoussou. It seems unlikely that an average citizen would agree to commit such a serious act based on verbal promises alone.
Moreover, it is surprising that CRIET, a court specialized in the suppression of economic crimes and terrorism, is very interested in a kidnapping case whose motives seem to be related to a civil dispute only.
Justice Under the Influence?
The most critical observers believe that CRIET’s insistence on keeping Steve Amoussou in custody, despite the ambiguous evidence and obvious contradictions, fuels many doubts. “The Beninese justice gives the impression of serving interests other than those related to truth and legality,” said a Beninese lawyer on condition of anonymity.
This impression is reinforced even more by the nature of the charges brought against Amoussou, which seem disproportionate to the facts.
Reactions and Anger in Public Opinion
Anger is brewing among the Beninese population, where more and more citizens are outraged by CRIET’s attitude in this matter. “The CRIET must stop playing the role of a political court and become, for once, a judicial institution worthy of the name,” declared a human rights activist.
On social networks, calls for peaceful demonstrations are being launched to demand the immediate release of Steve Amoussou and an end to what many see as the manipulation of justice for political ends.
Who Treats Whom?
At the heart of this legal turmoil, the questions remain: will CRIET demand its independence for once or act under influence? Why does she appear to be taking sides in a case that should have been closed due to lack of concrete evidence?
In this case, where the line between justice and injustice seems blurred, the answers are slow to come. Steve Amoussou’s trial could become a symbol of justice under pressure, in a country that nevertheless yearns for democracy and the rule of law.
