On Monday, the High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Sylvanus Oriji, acquitted former Kogi West senator Dino Melaye of charges brought against him by the Federal Government. The legal proceedings, which spanned six years, centered on allegations that Melaye provided false information regarding an assassination attempt on his life in 2017.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Melaye revealed that Justice Oriji dismissed two charges related to the false information accusations, clearing him of any wrongdoing. The charges stemmed from a case that began in 2017 when Melaye claimed an attempt was made on his life in Ayetoro-Gbede, his hometown in Kogi State.
The case faced numerous delays, including the passing of Justice Aromeh Akogu, who was originally presiding over the matter. Justice Akogu tragically died during a cross-over service on December 31, 2017, just as the case was gaining momentum.
The Attorney General’s Office formally filed charges against Melaye on January 31, 2018, alleging that his claims were unfounded following an investigation. Melaye pleaded not guilty in court on March 1, 2018. Throughout the trial, he maintained his innocence, accusing the Kogi State police and government of orchestrating conspiracies against him, which authorities repeatedly denied.
Melaye also raised concerns about his safety in 2018, accusing the Kogi State police command of trying to kill him after an incident in which his security details allegedly shot at officers during a ‘stop and search’ operation in Mopa. He again claimed that the state government was conspiring against him in 2019.
After his acquittal, Melaye took to social media to express his gratitude to his legal team and reaffirm his faith in divine justice. “Justice served after six years. Justice delayed is never justice denied. God alone be praised,” he wrote, adding, “SEN. DINO MELAYE 12 – FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND IGP 0. 12 CASES ALL WON BY GOD.”
The former senator emphasized his belief in God’s support for the just, celebrating the verdict that brought an end to the long-running legal saga.
