No fewer than 30 soldiers and others were on Tuesday jailed by the Government of Benin Republic for their links to a foiled coup attempt earlier this month.
Recall that soldiers appeared on national television on December 7 to announce that President Patrice Talon had been deposed.
But the attempted coup was swiftly quelled by loyalist army forces with the help of the Nigerian AirForce and French special forces.
Several people were killed and the alleged coup leader lieutenant-colonel Pascal Tigri and other mutinous soldiers are still on the run.
On Monday, at least 30 accused people appeared before a special prosecutor for the court for economic crimes and terrorism in the city of Cotonou.
They were reportedly placed in pre-trial detention the following day at the end of their hearing.
They were prosecuted for treason, murder and endangering state security.
Meanwhile, Chabi Yayi, son of former Beninese President and current opposition figure Thomas Boni Yayi, who was earlier arrested, was released on Monday after being questioned but remains under prosecution in connection with the coup bid for reasons that are not known.
He is alleged to be a member of the opposition party led by his father.
President Talon is accused by critics of authoritarianism in a country once praised for its democratic dynamism.
