Court frees Dino Melaye from police charges

Abuja, Oct. 7, 2024(thegavel)  – A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama has discharged Senator Dino Melaye of allegations relating to escape from custody and damage to police property.

Melaye was initially arraigned on March 5, 2019, facing six counts, including attempted suicide, attempt to escape from custody, and damage to police property.

Delivering judgment, Justice Slyvanius Oriji ruled that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. The court found inconsistencies in the testimony of one of the witnesses, Sergeant Adamu Mohammed, regarding the claim that Melaye forced open the door of the police vehicle. Furthermore, the court accepted Melaye’s defense that he suffered an asthma attack during the incident and noted that the police failed to cross-examine him on this claim. Melaye was reportedly taken to the National Hospital, where he spent 28 days.

The prosecution’s allegations that Melaye forced himself out of the police bus and was taken away by thugs in a Hilux van were also not substantiated. The court highlighted the lack of evidence proving that Melaye was in communication with any individuals during his custody or that the alleged thugs were connected to him.

Justice Oriji, in his ruling, stated that there was no conclusive evidence to prove that Melaye intentionally escaped police custody. The court also cast doubt on the prosecution’s claim that he broke the window glass of the police vehicle, further exonerating him from the charges.

Consequently, Melaye was acquitted of all remaining charges and discharged. Reacting to the judgment, Melaye expressed gratitude, stating, “I thank God for giving me justice after six years. This is the last of the 12 frivolous cases against me.”

The charges had been related to an incident on April 24, 2018, when Melaye was being transported by the police to Lokoja. The prosecution had alleged that Melaye attempted to escape and damage police property during the journey.(NAN)

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