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In a high-profile crackdown on a coup plot, two key associates of Benin’s President Patrice Talon have been sentenced to 20 years in prison. Olivier Boko, a businessman and former ally of Talon, and former sports minister Oswald Homeky were convicted of conspiracy against state security as well as corruption of a public official. The charges stem from allegations that they attempted to bribe the commander of presidential security to facilitate a coup, with Homeky reportedly caught handing over six bags of money to the head of the presidential guard. A third suspect, Rock Nieri, Boko’s brother-in-law, was sentenced in absentia. The verdict comes amid accusations that Talon has exploited the justice system to target political opponents and consolidate power.
Source: AP