Benin prosecutor: 3 plotted to poison president

President Boni Yayi

Benin's state prosecutor says that the president's doctor and his niece were part of a failed plot to poison the leader of the West African nation by changing his medicine with something toxic.
Prosecutor Justin Gbenameto said late Monday that Benin's President Boni Yayi escaped the attempted poisoning. He said the plot was foiled because the president's niece, who was arrested and charged, had informed her sister who told the president.

Gbenameto said the niece and the doctor were each promised payment of 1 billion CFA ($1.9 million) if they carried out the poisoning.

He said Dr. Ibrahim Cisse Mama, the president's doctor, Former Minister of Trade Moudjaidou Soumanou and one of the president's nieces Zouberatou Kora were arrested Sunday and on Monday were charged with conspiracy and attempted murder.