Benin republic has placed former defence minister and leading opposition figure Candide Azannai in pre-trial detention as part of an investigation into the country’s failed coup attempt.
It was reported that Azannai was accused of plotting against the state and incitement to rebellion.
He was arrested last week at his party’s headquarters in Cotonou following the attempted takeover.
The detention of the prominent opposition politician, who had condemned the coup, follows the arrest of around 30 people, mostly soldiers, on treason charges earlier this week.
On December 7, soldiers had announced on national television that they had overthrown President Patrice Talon.
However, loyalist forces swiftly quashed the coup attempt, reportedly with assistance from the Nigerian Air Force.
Several people were killed during the uprising, and some mutineers, including alleged coup leader Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri, remain at large.
AFP reporters observed Azannai being escorted into custody at dawn after several hours of questioning at Benin’s anti-terrorism court.
President Talon, who has been credited with driving economic growth, faces criticism for what opponents describe as creeping authoritarianism in a nation once celebrated for its democracy.
In recent years, northern Benin has also grappled with jihadist attacks.
Talon is due to step down in April after reaching the country’s two-term limit.
