Asari Dokubo Arrested in Benin Republic

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.”

Premiumtimes