Bobo-dioulasso: At the opening of the trial involving Lionel Bilgo and Vincent de Paul Kabor© before the High Court of Bobo-Dioulasso, the prosecution requested that the case be transferred to the economic and financial division (ECOFI). The request was made on the grounds that the case involves alleged money laundering, which falls under the purview of the economic and financial division.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the hearing commenced with a debate about which court has the jurisdiction to examine the case. The public prosecutor argued for the transfer to ECOFI, emphasizing the importance of addressing the money laundering allegations through the specialized division.

The defense counsel opposed the prosecution's request, asserting that the Bobo-Dioulasso High Court is competent to handle the case. One of Lionel Bilgo's lawyers pointed out that the police reports already included the money laundering allegations, supporting their argument for keeping the case within the current court's jurisdiction.

The defense also called for the identification of the victims present at the hearing, a request that did not alter the prosecution's stance. With the trial momentarily suspended, the court's decision regarding the jurisdictional debate will be announced upon resumption.