Former Senator Dino Melaye has secured a major victory, acquittal in the twelfth and final case brought against him by the Federal Government, marking the end of a six-year-long legal battle. Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the FCT High Court in Maitama delivered the verdict, clearing Melaye of two charges related to providing false information about an alleged assassination attempt in 2017.
The charges stemmed from accusations that Melaye falsely implicated Edward Onoja, then-Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, in the assassination plot. Melaye was formally charged by the Attorney General’s Office on January 31, 2018, and pleaded not guilty on March 1, 2018.
This legal saga was marked by delays, including the passing of Justice Aromeh Benson Akogu, the original judge overseeing the case. Melaye had also accused the Kogi State police command and government of attempting to kill him on multiple occasions, which they denied.
Melaye took to social media to celebrate the verdict, expressing gratitude to his legal team and faith in divine justice. He stated, “Justice served after six years. Justice delayed is never justice denied. God alone be praised.” This acquittal brings closure to Melaye’s lengthy legal battle, with all 12 cases against him now resolved in his favor.
