Former Senator Dino Melaye Acquitted of 12 Cases Against Nigerian Government
Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye announced that justice has finally been served in his lengthy legal battle with the Nigerian government, which has spanned six years.
He celebrated his acquittal of 12 cases brought against him, expressing gratitude for the favorable outcome. In a post on X, Melaye highlighted that the courts have ruled in his favor, emphasizing the notion that justice delayed is not justice denied.
Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the Federal Capital High Court in Maitama cleared Melaye of two specific charges related to providing false information about an alleged assassination attempt on his life in 2017.
This legal saga began in February 2018, when Melaye faced accusations of falsely implicating Edward Onoja, then Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, in the supposed assassination plot.
The case regarding the alleged assassination attempt faced numerous delays, including the passing of Justice Aromeh Benson Akogu, the judge initially overseeing the matter, during a crossover service on December 31, 2017. The Office of the Attorney General formally charged Melaye on January 31, 2018, asserting that his allegations were unfounded and originated from an investigation into the alleged assassination attempt in his hometown of Ayetoro-Gbede, Kogi State.
Throughout this tumultuous period, Melaye maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to the charges on March 1, 2018. In subsequent years, he accused the Kogi State Police Command of attempting to kill him, particularly after incidents involving his security details and police operations. Melaye also alleged a conspiracy against his life by the Kogi State government, claims that state authorities have consistently denied.