Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama on Monday discharged and acquitted a former Senator for Kogi West, Dino Melaye, on criminal charges.
The ex-lawmaker was arraigned by the Federal Government for providing false information regarding an alleged assassination attempt on his life in 2017.
Melaye was arraigned in February 2018 when he was accused of falsely implicating Edward Onoja, then Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
The case suffered several setbacks, including the death of the initial presiding judge, Justice Aromeh Benson Akogu, on December 31, 2017.
The ex-lawmaker had maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal and pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge on March 1, 2018.
He also accused the Kogi State police command and government of attempts on his life.
Melaye, who confirmed the news on his X handle on Monday, said: “Justice served after 6 years. Justice delayed is never Justice denied. God alone be praised.
“Senator Dino Melaye 12- Federal Government and IGP 0. EN. 12 cases all won by God.”
He also thanked his legal team led by Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and Ricky Tafa (SAN) for doing a great job.
Timeline of Events:
– February 2018: Melaye accused of falsely implicating Edward Onoja in alleged assassination plot
– December 31, 2017: Initial presiding judge, Justice Aromeh Benson Akogu, passes away
– January 31, 2018: Office of the Attorney General formally charges Melaye
– March 1, 2018: Melaye pleads not guilty
– July 2018: Melaye accuses Kogi State Police Command of attempting to kill him
– March 2019: Melaye alleges conspiracy against his life by the Kogi State government
– October 7, 2024: Justice Sylvanus Oriji acquits Melaye of all charges
