Former Senator Dino Melaye has been acquitted in the twelfth and final case brought against him by the Federal Government, marking the end of a lengthy six-year legal battle.
Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the FCT High Court in Maitama delivered the verdict, clearing Melaye of charges related to providing false information regarding an alleged assassination attempt on his life in 2017.
The legal saga began in February 2018, when Melaye was accused of falsely implicating Edward Onoja, the then-Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, in an assassination plot. The case has since been one of several legal battles Melaye faced over the years.
Following his acquittal, Melaye took to social media platform X on Monday to express his gratitude towards his legal team and his faith in divine justice.
“I take life as it comes, but in all the vicissitudes of life, I trust in God only. He is always with the just,” he stated.
In his post, he also noted, “Justice served after six years. Justice delayed is never justice denied. God alone be praised. SEN. DINO MELAYE 12 – FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND IGP 0. 12 CASES ALL WON BY GOD.”
The initial case regarding the alleged assassination attempt saw delays, including the unfortunate passing of Justice Aromeh Benson Akogu, the judge overseeing the matter, during a cross-over service on December 31, 2017.
The Attorney General’s Office formally charged Melaye on January 31, 2018, claiming his allegations were unfounded, stemming from an investigation into the supposed assassination attempt at his hometown in Ayetoro-Gbede, Kogi State.
He pleaded not guilty on March 1, 2018.
Some other alleged assassination attempts
Again, in July 2018, Melaye accused the Kogi State police command of attempting to kill him.
He made this accusation in response to claims that his security details had shot at policemen conducting ‘stop and search’ operations in Mopa.
In March 2019, Melaye again alleged a conspiracy against his life by the Kogi State government, which the state authorities denied.
More details to follow…
(Punch)