A Benin police official says at least three people close to the West African country's president have been arrested on suspicion of attempting to poison the leader.  

The police official said Monday that President Boni Yayi's personal physician and a former Cabinet minister were among the three arrested Sunday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

A presidential adviser said the executive office was dealing with a "situation" but would not give further details. The president seemed in good health when he appeared on state TV Monday.

The police official said a niece of the president employed in the residence, the former commerce minister, Moudjaidou Soumanou, and Dr. Ibrahim Mama Cisse are being held by the intelligence service.