A high-ranking provincial official in Chad was taken into custody in the capital late Thursday following allegations of defamation lodged by two local figures. Ahmat Bedei Toullomi, president of the Borkou Provincial Council, was apprehended inside the premises of the La Résidence hotel just before 5:00 PM and transferred to the General Coordination of the Judicial Police in N’Djamena.
Legal dispute escalates with drug trafficking accusations
The detention follows a formal complaint filed against Toullomi for spreading false statements on social media. According to court documents, the plaintiffs—Goudje Gueillet Hemchi and Kodou Omari—denounce claims made by the official accusing them of involvement in cocaine trafficking within Chad. They have dismissed the allegations as “completely baseless and defamatory,” asserting that the statements have severely damaged their reputations and personal integrity.
Failure to comply leads to arrest
Judicial authorities had earlier issued a summons for Toullomi on August 4, demanding his presence before the Tribunal de grande instance in N’Djamena to address the allegations. Despite multiple formal invitations, the provincial leader failed to appear in court. After more than ten days of unanswered summons, law enforcement proceeded with his arrest to ensure his compliance with the legal process.
Official’s social media statement amid custody
Minutes after his detention, a message appeared on Toullomi’s Facebook page at 5:10 PM stating: “Either the Head of State stands with us all, or the traffickers are stronger than the law. I have been abducted.” While the statement reflects the official’s perspective, authorities clarify that the arrest is part of a standard judicial procedure and not an unlawful abduction.
