By Narcisse Aberekere, Africaho, Feb. 3, 2026
Beninese Tik Toker Florence Kingbo has been in custody since December 18, 2025. She was arrested after she posted a video on Tik Tok in which she called President Patrice Talon a "tyrant". She also criticized his wife Claudine Talon and their son.
Kingbo appeared before the CRIET (Special Criminal Court) on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. During the hearing, her lawyer attempted to argue that she was not criminally responsible, a claim rejected by the defendant herself.
The 21-year-old is being prosecuted for harassment via an electronic system, invasion of privacy, incitement to hatred and violence, and incitement to rebellion.
According to Libre Express , the hearing was tense the moment she appeared in court. The defendant was chewing gum, a detail noted by the prosecution. When questioned about this behavior, she replied that she didn't see "since when is eating forbidden?"
During the indictment phase, the judge asked her lawyer, Aboubacar Baparapé, to calm his client, according to the same media outlet.
The TikToker did not deny making the offending remarks, saying "Yes, I admit to the facts". "Those who insult Boni Yayi are not prosecuted, but those who attack Patrice Talon are."
Kingbo's lawyer suggested she suffered from a mental disorder. Kingbo rejected that immediately, saying "I'm not crazy".
The prosecution requested a postponement of the case to prepare its arguments. The defense requested provisional release, arguing the need to protect her "from herself in prison ." This request was opposed by the special prosecutor's office.
The court ultimately adjourned the case until Tuesday, March 24, 2026, for the prosecution's submissions and to rule on the request for provisional release.
Once the judge adjourned the case, Kingbo said the case may linger "even until 2030". She also said she felt "too comfortable in prison" because she ate "seven times a day."Following these remarks, the judge ordered her removed from the courtroom.
Posted March 8, 2026