Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the High Court in Abuja delivered a significant ruling on Monday, discharging and acquitting former senator Dino Melaye, who represented the Kogi West district in the National Assembly.
The decision comes after a lengthy six years legal battle involving charges brought against Melaye by the Federal Government.
The court’s verdict marks a pivotal moment for the former senator, clearing him of all allegations and allowing him to move forward without the burden of legal troubles.
The legal battle began six years ago.
In a post on X, Melaye said Justice Oriji cleared him of two charges of providing false information concerning an alleged assassination attempt on his life in 2017.
The initial case concerning the alleged assassination attempt faced several delays, notably due to the tragic death of Justice Aromeh Akogu, the presiding judge, who passed away during a crossover 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.
Again, in July 2018, Melaye accused the Kogi State police command of attempting to kill him.
He made the accusation in response to claims that his security details had shot at policemen conducting ‘stop and search’ operations in Mopa.
Again in March 2019, Melaye alleged a conspiracy against his life by the Kogi State government, which the state authorities denied.
However, taking to social media platform X on Monday in celebration, Melaye expressed gratitude towards his legal team and emphasised his unwavering 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.
