PARIS, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- A couple was arrested on Monday over fake bomb that forced an emergency landing Sunday nigh of an Air France flight from Mauritius to Paris, in Monbassa, Kenya's port city, a local radio reported.

A man and his wife were arrested earlier this morning while arriving at Charles de Gaulle airport in the French capital over charges of false explosive device.

The man, a retired policeman, was placed into custody while his wife was released, the report added.

Air France flight en route to Paris from Mauritius diverted to Monbassa because of suspicious device found by a passenger in the toilets late on Sunday.

The Boeing 777 landed at 2136 GMT at the Kenyan port city where 459 passengers and 14 crew members have been evacuated, the French flag carrier said.

Air France also filed a suit against the man for "obstructing air traffic and endangering the lives of others," and reaffirmed that its absolute priority is to ensure the security of its passengers and staff.

According to the local media, the fake bomb was made out of cardboard and paper and contained a timer.