Former President's Son Arrested After Benin Republic Foiled Coup Attempt

Former President's Son Arrested After Benin Republic Foiled Coup Attempt

  • The Benin Reoublic authorities have arrested Chabi Yayi, the son of former president, Thomas Boni Yayi, early Sunday, December 14, 2025
  • Yayi was arrested in his house a week after the failed military coup led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri in the West African country
  • several of relatives of the son of the former president and current opposition figure, confirmed Yayi's arrest after the incident

Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering basic and tertiary education in Nigeria and worldwide

Cotonou, Benin Republic - Chabi Yayi, son of former Beninese president has been arrested a week after a foiled coup attempt in the West African country.

Yayi, son of current opposition figure Thomas Boni Yayi was arrested early Sunday, December 14, 2025 at his home.

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Benin arrest son of former President after foiled coup attempt
Benin authorities arrest the son of former President after foiled coup attempt. Photo credit: @LNTribune
Source: Twitter

As reported by TRT Afrika, several relatives told AFP that no reason was given for arresting the son of the former president.

"At this time, we don't know what he is accused of."

A member of the Democrats Party (DP) also confirmed the arrest of Yayi

The main opposition party, which Yahi heads said:

"We don't know if it is linked to the events of last Sunday," said another close friend.”

Several participants including the former minister of defence and key opposition figure Candide Azannai have been arrested since the December 7 putsch attempt.

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Azannai was placed in police custody for "conspiracy against the authority of the state and incitement to rebellion."

Several of those who staged the failed coup, including their leader Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, remain at large.

Son of former president of Benin Republic arrested after failed coup
Authorities arrest Chabi Yayi, son of former Beninese president in his house after failed military coup. Photo credit: @NigAirForce, @jacksonhinklle
Source: Twitter

Benin coup: How Nigeria deployed troops to restore order

Recall that Nigeria deployed fighter jets and ground troops to thwart the attempted coup in the Benin Republic.

Soldiers stormed the state television and announced the dissolution of the government before they were overpowered

Benin Republic authorities regained control and confirmed that constitutional order had been restored.

Read more stories on Benin Republic military coup:

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Benin coup leader flees to neighbouring country

Legit.ng also reported that a failed coup in Benin Republic saw army officer Pascal Tigri flee to neighbouring Togo after loyal troops restored order.

President Patrice Talon remained in power with support from Nigerian forces, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and French special units.

Benin Republic declared Tigri and two other soldiers wanted, as officials prepare an extradition request to Togo.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Adekunle Dada avatar

Adekunle Dada (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Adekunle Dada is a trained journalist with over 8 years of working experience. He is also a Politics/Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng. He holds a B.Sc. in Mass Communication from Lagos State University, Ojo. Adekunle previously worked at PM News, The Sun, and Within Nigeria, where he expressed his journalistic skills with well-researched articles and features. In 2024, Adekunle obtained a certificate in advanced digital reporting from the Google News Initiative. He can be reached via adekunle.dada@corp.legit.ng.