The arrondissement police station of Pahou successfully apprehended two individuals on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, who were wanted in connection with a series of violent strangulation thefts. Commissioner Tossou Hervé Xavier, a key figure in the local law enforcement, led the decisive operation in Pahou, Bénin. Authorities stated that the arrests became possible after the discreet identification of one suspect by a victim during a new attempted assault. This key recognition allowed police to track and apprehend the individuals. The suspects are now in custody following the swift police action and ongoing investigation.
Previous Attack Details
The initial incident that brought these suspects to the attention of law enforcement occurred on Friday, February 6, 2026. The day before this violent encounter, a taxi driver had been contacted by two individuals who requested a trip to Lomé. Their departure was meticulously scheduled for 4 AM from Cocotomè, a detail that later proved significant in understanding the assailants' planning. As the journey progressed, while in the Bazounkpa area, the passengers requested an unexpected stop, claiming they needed to pick up supposed family members. It was during this deceptive stop that the situation escalated dramatically. One passenger, positioned in the back seat, attempted to strangle the driver with a rope. The victim subsequently lost consciousness due to the attack, was then tied up, and callously abandoned near the Ahozon forest. The assailants seized the opportunity to steal the victim's personal belongings, including his phone, and absconded with his Toyota Camry vehicle. The driver, demonstrating remarkable resilience, later regained consciousness alone and promptly reported the harrowing incident to the Republican Police, providing key details that would eventually lead to the suspects' capture.
Second Encounter and Arrest
Months later, on Sunday, June 7, 2026, a key moment occurred. The same driver involved in the earlier, traumatic incident was approached in Godomey by two individuals who offered another trip to Lomé. This seemingly innocuous offer turned critical when the driver discreetly recognized one of the individuals from the previous assault. This act of discreet identification, undertaken by the victim, was instrumental in advancing the case. Following this significant identification, Commissioner Tossou Hervé Xavier immediately initiated a full surveillance operation. The police meticulously monitored the suspects, gathering intelligence and planning their intervention. The operation culminated in the successful arrest of the two men during the night, bringing an end to their criminal activities. Upon their apprehension, the suspects were found in possession of the very tools they allegedly used for their assaults, including the distinctive strangulation cord, providing tangible evidence of their methods.
Confession and Next Steps
Following their arrest, the two individuals were formally placed in custody. They are scheduled to be presented before the public prosecutor after the conclusion of the ongoing police investigation, which aims to gather all necessary evidence for a strong legal case. During questioning, one of the suspects admitted to participating in the initial vehicle theft, shedding light on the full scope of their criminal enterprise. The suspect further stated that the stolen Toyota Camry vehicle was subsequently sold in a neighboring country for a sum of 500,000 CFA francs. This confession provides authorities with critical details regarding the disposition of the stolen property and unequivocally confirms the suspect's involvement in the earlier incident. The investigation continues as police meticulously prepare to hand over the suspects for formal legal proceedings, ensuring justice for the victim and upholding public safety.
