Former Minister of Energy Ibrahim Yacouba, who has been in exile since the July 26, 2023 coup d’état, was arrested on Thursday, January 4, 2024, upon his return.
The former Nigerien Minister of Energy is no longer at liberty. He was apprehended at Niamey airport upon disembarking from the plane. Wanted by Nigerien security services, the leader of the Nigerien Patriotic Movement (MPN) returned to the country despite the great risk of potential arrest.
On the morning of Friday, January 5, 2024, Yacouba Ibrahim was transferred to the civilian prison in Niamey. At the moment, the reasons for his arrest have not yet been disclosed.
As a reminder, a former presidential candidate and opponent of the Mohamed Bazoum regime before joining the government in 2022, Yacouba Ibrahim had called for the release of Mohamed Bazoum and advocated for military intervention against the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP).
Ibrahim Yacoubou has held significant ministerial positions before serving in Energy. Under former President Mahamadou Issoufou (2011 to 2021), he had notably been Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Transportation, and Deputy Chief of Staff at the presidency.
He is also the first cadre of the overthrown regime to return to Niamey since the overthrow of Mohamed Bazoum’s regime on July 26 by General Abdourahamane Tchiani.
