A former Niger Delta
militant, Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, was arrested in Cotonou, Benin Republic,
Tuesday Afternoon by Beniniose police also known as gendarmes.
According to a statement
released by Mr. Dokubo-Asari’s counsel, Festus Keyamo, the former militant who
also owns a university in the West African neighbouring country, was picked up
sometimes between 1 and 2 p.m. 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. In fact, he owns houses, schools and an
academy in that country,” a statement by Mr. Keyamo read.
Mr. Keyamo also stated that
Mr. Dokubo-Asari’s detention is politically motivated and a bid by unidentified
individual working with the Beninoise authorities to “keep him away as 2015
approaches.”
Mr. Dokubo-Asari is a
staunch supporter of President Goodluck Jonathan and has promised to make the
country ungovernable if the president is not re-elected in the 2015
presidential election.
Mr. Keyamo pleaded with 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.”
Mr. Dokubo-Asari recently
adopted Benin Republic citizenship.
“In protest against the
inability of Nigeria to grant Ijaw Republic, I have relocated my corporate
investments to Benin Republic. Benin is my adopted homeland today,” the Rivers
born activist was quoted to have said.
Mr. Dokubo-Asari owns a
football club, automobile academies and real estates in Benin Republic. Last
October he announced he has established a private university in the country
named King Amachree African University. The university plans to commence
academic activities next September.
According to the statement
released by his lawyer, all his business interests have been searched since he
was picked up this afternoon with “nothing incriminating found.”
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