In Benin, the trial of Florence Kingbo opened yesterday, Tuesday, February 3, 2026, before the Court for the Repression of Economic Crimes and Terrorism (CRIET) in Cotonou. This 21-year-old TikToker is being prosecuted for "harassment via an electronic system, invasion of privacy, incitement to hatred and violence, and incitement to rebellion."

Indeed, the defendant attacked President Patrice Talon and his wife Claudine Gbenagnon Talon in a live broadcast on the Chinese social network. She accused the Beninese leader of being "authoritarian" and described the First Lady as "a very bad wife for her husband."

The events date back to mid-December 2025, just a few days after the attempted coup against President Patrice Talon.

"Since when is eating forbidden?"

Called to the stand yesterday, Tuesday, the young TikToker, looking nonchalant, was chewing gum. This did not sit well with the prosecution. When questioned about her behavior, she asked the prosecutor if it was "forbidden to eat."

When she was then questioned about what she was accused of, she stated unequivocally: "Yes, I acknowledge the facts. Since Patrice Talon came to power, those who insult Boni Yayi are not prosecuted, but those who attack Talon are."

Speaking after her, her lawyer, Aboubacar BAPARAPE, pleaded for criminal irresponsibility, arguing that his client suffered from an alteration of her mental faculties.

This line of defense did not sit well with the TikToker, who asserted that she was in good health. "I'm not crazy; crazy people walk around naked, and that's not me," she declared. Her lawyer nevertheless requested her provisional release, a request firmly rejected by the prosecution.

"The case could even be postponed until 2030."

The court ultimately adjourned the case until Tuesday, March 24, 2026, for the prosecution's submissions. Florence K. commented ironically on the proceedings and her incarceration, telling the judges: "The case can even be adjourned until 2030; I'm too comfortable in prison. I eat seven times a day."