By Jefferson Ibiwale, Benin

The Police in Benin, on Thursday arrested a traditional ruler for allegedly being in possession of a rifle snatched from a police officer during a scuffle between police officers and some youths in Sasaro, a community in Akoko-Edo local government area of Edo State.

The irate youths from Igarra, headquarters of the local government, had attacked a team of police officers and some expatriates who had gone to the community to inform the community leaders of the death by drowning of one of the local members of staff of a Lebanese owned quarry.

In the ensuing confrontation, the youths beat up the team and snatched the rifle of one of the policemen who later sent for reinforcement.

The police said the rifle was later found in the bedroom of the monarch after a search warrant was issued on his premises.

The village leader was later taken to the Igarra police station after which he was transferred to the state command for further questioning.

When contacted, the police public relations officer in the state, Stephen Onwochei, said he did not have the full details of the case.  A senior police officer in the Criminal Investigation Department, CID, however, confirmed the development.