BBN - ELECTRIC ATMOSPHERE AT STEVE WOTTO'S CRIET HEARING: Between Outbursts and a Mad Plea

TikToker Steve Wotto fully stands by his charges against Patrice Talon and Romuald Wadagni, rejecting outright the psychiatric evaluation requested by his lawyer. This Monday, June 22, 2026, the correctional chamber of the Court for the Repression of Economic Offenses and Terrorism (CRIET) was the scene of a particularly tense confrontation. For his second appearance, TikToker Steve Wotto took the stand to answer charges of condoning crimes against state security, harassment via an electronic system, and incitement to hatred and violence. While he initially pleaded not guilty, the proceedings, as reported by the media outlet Libre Express, took an unexpected turn.

Invited by the presiding judge to explain the nature of his viral videos, Steve Wotto did not deny his posts targeting former head of state Patrice Talon and his successor, current president Romuald Wadagni. “Yes, I made videos. I made statements. I said a lot of things about Talon,” he admitted without flinching.

When pressed by the judge, who asked if he had at least said anything “good” about the former president, the defendant was categorical: “I wouldn’t know how to characterize my remarks. I made these videos in the heat of the moment.”

While he stands by his statements, it is on the legal grounds that the TikToker raises objections. Justifying his plea of not guilty, he told the magistrates: “I don’t agree with the characterization of the offenses you are making.” Before the court, he reiterated his accusations against President Romuald Wadagni, describing the recent electoral process as « electoral fraud » and a « constitutional coup d’état. »

As his testimony progressed, his tone became increasingly heated. Defining himself as « a spiritual man » acting under the guidance of his ancestors, Steve Wotto lost his composure when the judge and the prosecution mentioned the alleged pursuit by law enforcement.

The man firmly rejected the idea of being arrested: « I was never arrested. I turned myself in at the Bohicon police station when I learned I was wanted. I wasn’t arrested, I surrendered! »

The defendant went even further in his accusations, claiming to the court that the Republican Police had attempted to assassinate him during his transfer to Cotonou. Describing himself as a « dignified man, » he used the platform to deliver a scathing indictment of Beninese society and the decline of the legendary « Latin Quarter of Africa. » « I don’t want anyone to pity me. I’m not afraid, » he insisted.

Faced with these rambling statements and the virulence of his client, the defense attempted to argue criminal irresponsibility. Citing a history of serious psychiatric illness and medical treatment at the Jacquot specialized center, Steve Wotto’s lawyer requested a psychiatric evaluation. He also asked for the defendant’s father to testify about his client’s mental health.

This fallback strategy was immediately torpedoed by Wotto himself. Hearing his own lawyer plead insanity, Steve Wotto bristled in the dock: « I’m not crazy! » “At the request of the public prosecutor, and in order to examine the admissibility of this request for a psychiatric evaluation, the judge ordered the case adjourned. The Steve Wotto case will resume on Monday, July 20, 2026.

✍️ By Joseph HOUNKPATIN