Authorities in Benin revealed on Wednesday the arrest of three prominent figures, including the commander of the presidential guard, suspected of orchestrating a coup attempt in the West African nation.

Those implicated include Oswald Homeky, a former sports minister, and Olivier Boko, a businessman with close ties to President Patrice Talon. Special prosecutor Elonm Mario Metonou from Benin’s financial crimes and terrorism court disclosed that the coup was set for September 27, 2024.

According to Metonou, Djimon Dieudonne Tevoedjre, the Republican Guard commander tasked with protecting the president, was approached by Homeky and Boko to plan the coup. Homeky was reportedly caught delivering six bags of cash, amounting to 1.5 billion West African CFA francs (around $2.5 million), to Tevoedjre as part of the plan.

Boko, a long-standing friend of President Talon, was arrested separately in Cotonou, Benin’s economic hub. Recently, Boko hinted at a possible run for the presidency in 2026 when President Talon’s term expires, as Talon is constitutionally barred from seeking another term.

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In 2023, Homeky stepped down as sports minister to support Boko’s potential presidential campaign. Following Boko’s arrest, his lawyers and supporters condemned the action as an “abduction” and called for his immediate release, raising concerns about his health and access to essential resources like food and medication.

Objectif Benin 2026, a group backing Boko’s potential candidacy, labeled the arrest a “blatant violation of fundamental rights” and accused the government of political persecution.

Critics argue that Benin, once regarded as a vibrant multi-party democracy, has grown increasingly authoritarian under President Talon, who took office in 2016. In August, another critic of the government, Steve Amoussou, was arrested and now faces charges for allegedly spreading false information and inciting rebellion.