Lionel Bilgo: Court denies provisional release in money laundering case

The Economic and Financial Pole (ECOFI) of the Bobo-Dioulasso High Court has rejected requests for provisional release for former Minister of National Education Lionel Bilgo and his co-defendant, Vincent de Paul Kaboré. The two men remain in detention as their legal proceedings continue.

The case was recently transferred to the specialized ECOFI jurisdiction following the addition of money laundering charges to the initial allegations of illegal real estate activities and unauthorized property promotion. Defense lawyers had challenged the transfer and the validity of the second detention order, but the court dismissed these motions.

The prosecution opposed the release of the defendants, citing a potential risk of witness tampering and arguing that the provided guarantees were insufficient to prevent such risks. The defense argued that since the investigation is complete, the risk of evidence alteration is minimal. The court has scheduled the next hearing for October 5, 2026.