Koupela: The corruption trial involving magistrates and other defendants has been postponed until February 2, 2026, with their requests for release being rejected. The trial, which involves magistrates, customs officials, and lawyers, is centered around charges such as corruption of a public official, disclosure of witness identities, and money laundering. The proceedings opened on a Friday at the Koupela High Court and have been adjourned for judgment until the aforementioned date.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the defendants face several charges, including accepting undue gifts, bribing a public official, disclosing witness identities, possessing a firearm, money laundering, and influence peddling. All accused individuals appeared in court on January 16, 2026. After a brief recess requested by the defense for consultation, the hearing resumed with a request for a one-week postponement, which was unopposed by the prosecution.

The parties cited the need for counsel to better acquaint themselves with the case, as per Article 321 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which allows for a case to be referred to a later date if not ready for judgment. Lawyer Antoinette Ouedraogo questioned how the defense could proceed without a firm grasp of the case, arguing that proceeding under such conditions is akin to "sending them down a corridor without limits."

While there was agreement on the need for referral, debates arose regarding the date and form, leading to another brief suspension of the hearing. Ultimately, the court scheduled the case for judgment on February 2, 2026. Despite arguments from defense lawyers that detention should be an exception and that their clients are prepared to appear in court freely, the court denied provisional release and account unfreezing requests.

The defense argued that their clients' release would not hinder the proceedings or truth establishment, and no witness tampering would occur. They also highlighted pending judicial decisions that depend on the situation of certain defendants. However, the prosecutor maintained that release could disturb public order and foster a sense of injustice, thereby necessitating continued detention until the new trial date.

Defending the decision to keep accounts frozen, the prosecutor deemed it risky, suggesting it might influence the case's direction. This stance drew criticism from the defense, who contended that no grievances have been filed against the accused since 2021, and judicial decisions should not cater to public opinion.

The court's ruling dismissed the requests for provisional release and account unfreezing. As per a November 12, 2025 press release, Korag implicated ten magistrates and a lawyer in corruption-related offenses. The case has led to arrests and revealed a network of corrupt agents at the Ouagadougou Court of Appeal, warranting the trial's relocation to Koupela under the jurisdiction of the Fada N'Gourma Court of Appeal.