The Ivorian influencer known by the pseudonym Coach Medhi was placed in detention on Friday, October 30, at the Abidjan Penitentiary Center, following his extradition from Mali and his presentation to the public prosecutor in the economic capital. He is facing accusations of rape, sexual assault, and violence, which he denies.
His transfer to Côte d’Ivoire was carried out on Thursday, October 29, according to the Ivorian Press Agency and several Ivorian and Malian media outlets. The Malian authorities took him to a locality near the border, where a special unit of the Ivorian National Police took over before escorting him to Abidjan.
The crew arrived during the night from Thursday to Friday. Coach Medhi was then brought before the prosecutor on Friday morning, before being incarcerated at the Abidjan Penitentiary Center. This step now places the case under the direct authority of the Ivorian justice system.
The influencer was apprehended in Mali around August 20, following cooperation between the security services of the two countries. He remained detained there during the processing of the Ivorian request, before being handed over to the authorities of Côte d’Ivoire.
The case broke out in April when several young women publicly made accusations on social media. These statements led the Ivorian Ministry of Women, Family and Children to take up the matter and organize support for the individuals involved.
The alleged facts have not yet been judged. The placement in detention occurs within the framework of the procedure initiated after his return to Côte d’Ivoire and does not constitute a decision on his guilt.
Coach Medhi denies the accusations against him. According to AIP, the Ministry of Women’s services had received seventeen women, and a collective complaint had been filed before his arrest in Mali.
