In Bopa, a young seamstress apprentice stole 60,000 FCFA (roughly $100) from her employer in order to finance her own bride price.
The 18-year-old apprentice reportedly took the money in a bid to boost her chances with her fiancé, hoping to outshine his other wife. The incident occurred in the Tchanhoué neighborhood of Bopa, in the Mono department in southern Benin.
The scheme quickly fell apart. She was exposed after confiding in a friend, who later informed the boss. When confronted, the apprentice admitted to taking the money and explained she had already used it to purchase items for the traditional ceremony.
Both parties were summoned to the Bopa police station, where the man involved—who may have been complicit or at least aware of the plan—agreed to repay the full amount.
Since the incident, tensions have escalated between the apprentice and her biological family, who were shocked by her actions. She has since taken refuge with her in-laws in Gantitomey, according to local media outlet L’Investigateur.