The trial of two former allies of Benin's President Patrice Talon, who are accused of plotting against the state, has been postponed shortly after it began. The postponement came after defence lawyers objected to the make-up of the court, which consisted of three judges instead of the usual five, and then withdrew from the case when their objections were overruled. The trial in the capital Cotonou is set to resume on January 22, if the defendants can find a new defence team. Olivier Boko, an influential businessman and Oswald Homeky, a former sports minister, have been charged with "plotting against the authority of the state, corruption by a public official and forgery". IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES