Alleged Gunrunning: Melaye Fails To Appear In Court

Senator Dino Melaye has failed to appear at the Magistrate Court in Lokoja for the continuation of his trial over an alleged gunrunning.

The lawmaker representing Kogi West Senatorial District is being tried over the alleged illegal possession of firearms and arms.

His lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) who was represented in court by Yemi Mohammed told the trial Magistrate, Suleyman Abdallah, that he “had it on good authority that Senator Melaye was attacked on Wednesday” in Abuja.

READ ALSO: Gunmen Reportedly Abduct Senator Dino Melaye

Mr Mohammed told the court that the incident occurred after the Senator’s arraignment at the FCT High Court in Apo on six counts bordering on attempted suicide, attempt to escape from custody and damage of police property.

“I learned he was attacked yesterday in Gwagwalada on his way home from the (FCT High) court,” he said.

“Up till now, I have not been able to reach him. I don’t know where he is at the moment.”

An officer in charge of police prosecution, Theophilus Otema, also told the court that the prosecuting counsel, Alex Izinyon, who was absent from the trial had an emergency that made it extremely difficult for him to appear.

Mr Otema asked for an adjournment till September 23, but the Magistrate opposed the request, saying it contravened administration of criminal justice law of Kogi state as amended.

The judge, therefore, adjourned the case till August 9, 2018, for the commencement of trial.