Dino Melaye granted bail in the sum of N10m by Kogi high court sitting in Lokoja

SENATOR Dino Melaye has been granted bail in the sum of N10m ($27,739) by a Kogi high court in Lokoja after he was arraigned where he is facing several charges including a criminal conspiracy to carry out communal killings.

Representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Senator Melaye is involved in a long running battle with Governor Yahaya Bello, that has resulted in his recent arrest among other things. Earlier this month, the senator, who recently survived a recall attempt, dramatically jumped out of a police vehicle while being transported to custody in Lokoja from Abuja.

Currently at the National Hospital in Abuja receiving treatment for the injuries he sustained in the saga, Senator Melaye was due in court to face gun-running charges. Although the senator was absent as he is still in hospital, Justice Nasir Ajana, granted Senator Melaye bail in view of his health condition.

Justice Ajana said he was convinced by the argument of Senator Melaye’s lawyer Mike Ozekhome, that keeping the senator in custody would jeopardise his health, which, he said was already deteriorating. Also, the judge said he was also convinced by Mr Ozekhome’s argument that Senator Melaye would not abscond if granted bail.

Apart from the gun-running charges in Lokoja, Senator Melaye is facing separate criminal charges before Justice Olasunbo Goodluck in Abuja. According to Mr Ozekhihome, Senator Melaye was still on admission in the hospital in Abuja.