The legal conclusion to the case of the 124,000 boxes of phantom syringes reached its peak this Friday, May 8, 2026, at the Abidjan court. In a highly charged atmosphere, the verdict was handed down: the former heads of the New Public Health Pharmacy (NPSP CI) received heavy sentences.

Severe sentences for the former CEO and the former CFO

Although the charges of "forgery and use of forged documents" were dismissed, the court reclassified the prosecution as embezzlement of public funds and criminal conspiracy .

The former Director General ( YAD ) and the former Administrative and Financial Director ( CI ) were found guilty and sentenced to:

1. 10 years in prison ;
2. 10 million FCFA individual fine;
3. 500 million FCFA in damages to be paid to the State of Ivory Coast.

The court also imposed a ban on leaving the country (with passport confiscation for six months) and a permanent ban on exercising any function related to the offenses committed.

Several acquittals pronounced

Not everything in the packed courtroom meant a conviction. Five other defendants, including Béné Adou Arnaud and Fofana Aminata, were completely acquitted of charges of embezzlement, money laundering, and criminal conspiracy. Scenes of emotion and relief marked the exit of these former defendants after the announcement of their acquittal.

A reminder of the facts: a "phantom" order worth 250 million

The case stems from a transaction involving 252.96 million FCFA . This sum was disbursed for the purchase of 124,000 boxes of syringes that were never delivered. The investigation revealed that the supplier had no stock at the time of payment.

Note: The defense lawyers, strongly contesting this verdict, have already announced their intention to appeal .