Police: Dino Melaye, Brother, Others to Remain in our Custody

Wole Ayodele in Jalingo

Despite the ruling by a Kogi State High Court compelling the Nigerian Police to return Senator Dino Melaye to an Abuja Hospital pending his full recovery, the Police saturday said there are no plans to release Melaye from his sick bed.

The court ruled on Friday, mandating the Police to return Melaye back to National Hospital, Abuja where he was receiving treatment before he was forcefully taken to Lokoja before a Kogi State Magistrate Court to stand trial for criminal offence.

But a senior Police officer who spoke to THISDAY in Abuja on condition of anonymity explained that “even though Sen. Dino Melaye is sick, he remains under Police custody until the case comes up in court.”

Asked how long Melaye would continue to be under Police custody, the source stated that “until the court states otherwise, or give order for his release, he will be remanded in custody.”

The source further added that Melaye would continue to be under guard by the Police pending when the matter comes up in court.

On the detention of Melaye’s brother and other persons, the Police source maintained that they have all been remanded in Police custody by the court.

Melaye’s brother, Moses Melaye alongside Femi Obalemo, Joseph Godwin, Kayode Emmanuel and Folorunsho Mathew were also arrested during the take-over of Sen. Melaye’s house in Maitama, Abuja.

They were accused of conspiracy and attempt to obstruct the arrest of Sen. Melaye.
Meanwhile, Melaye has been confirmed to be receiving treatment at the National Hospital, Abuja under the protective eyes of the Police.

Information about his health status in the hospital was still sketchy as the authorities in the hospital declined to respond to THISDAY inquiries saturday.

But speaking under the condition of anonymity, a top management staff of the hospital informed our correspondent that while the treatment is ongoing, Melaye is being surrounded by men of the Nigerian police.

When pressed further on whether the legislator was freed from handcuff and well taken care of, the source said “the Police are in charge. Yes, he is in the hospital, but no further information except from police.”