Asari-Dokubo arrested in Benin Republic for yet unknown reason

The leader of the Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force, Alhaji Mujahid

Dokubo-Asari, was Tuesday arrested in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

A statement by his counsel, Festus Keyamo, said Dokubo was picked up

by the police between 1:00pm and 2:00pm around the Lubeleyi

roundabout, and taken to an unknown destination.

"We want to emphasise that Alhaji Dokubo-Asari carries on legitimate

business and has been living partly in Benin Republic for many years

now," he said.

"In fact, he owns houses, schools and an academy in that country. All

these places have been searched as at this evening and nothing

incriminating was found."

The Lagos lawyer, alleged that, Dokubo's arrest and detention may be a

ploy by "certain forces in Nigeria in unholy alliance with the

Beninoise government" to cage the ex-militant leader as the 2015

general election approaches.

"We call on the Nigerian government to immediately intervene and

ensure that no harm befalls Alhaji Dokubo-Asari and to use all

diplomatic means to secure his immediate release and safe return to

Nigeria," he said.

Recall that Dokubo has been a vocal supporter of the purported second

term bid of President Goodluck Jonathan.

He confirmed a few months ago that he owns a private university in the

Benin Republic, the King Amachree African University, which will

commence degree-awarding programmes in 2014.