BENIN—Edo State Police Command has arrested a traditional ruler at Sasaro, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state, following allegations that a police rifle was found in his bedroom.

Vanguard learned that trouble started, Tuesday, when a member of the community, who works in a quarry company owned by some Lebanese, drowned in a river.

His employers went to the community leaders to report the matter, but youths attacked them and the two police officers in their entourage escaped.

They came back with reinforcement to rescue the expatriates, searched for and found one of their missing rifles in the traditional ruler's bedroom.

He was immediately arrested and taken to Igarra Police Station from where he was transferred to the state Police Headquarters, Benin, for further investigation.

A source at the Command confirmed the arrest to Vanguard yesterday.

However, the new police spokesman in the state, Stephen Onwochei, said he had not been briefed on the matter.