Tony Osauzo, Benin

The arrest and detention of Ojo Asein, a lawmker representing Owan West Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, without access to his lawyer or family members, has raised suspicions of political motives.

Asein was reportedly arrested last Monday and has been in the custody of the Department of State Security (DSS) in Abuja.

At the time of this report, the reason for his arrest is not known. Some of his supporters however attribute it to politics as they claim Asein wields political influence in his constituency that could sway votes on Saturday.

Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly Kabir Adjoto, while commenting on the arrest, said he was confused about the development, adding “but the leadership of the house will meet soonest to review the situation and make our position known.”