Asari-Dokubo arrested in Benin Republic, Taken To Unknown Destination

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.

via 247naijagossip