The Senator representing Kogi West at the National Assembly, Dino
Melaye, was on Tuesday docked before an FCT High Court, Apo, Abuja on
a six-count bordering on attempted suicide and attempt to escape from
custody.
The senator however, denied committing the offences preferred against him.
At the hearing on Tuesday, the presiding judge, Sylvanus Oriji said
that he was aware that the court had granted bail to the defendant
when he was arraigned before him on July 25, 2018 on the same charges.
Oriji said that the earlier bail conditions, which included the sum of
N5 million and two sureties in like sum were still valid and should be
sustained in the current charges.
Justice Oriji also agreed that the bail conditions which included the
sum of N5 million should continue, saying that Dino should produce two
sureties in like sum stands.
The sureties according to him must be directors in the civil service,
who reside in the FCT, and must depose to affidavits of means.
Meanwhile, during his own arguments, the prosecuting counsel, Dr Alex
Izinyon (SAN), told the court that the defendant committed the alleged
offences on April 24.
He said the defendant, while being conveyed in a police vehicle to
Lokoja, allegedly forced his way out of the vehicle and attempted to
escape.
Izinyon said that the defendant held a substance in his hand and
threatened to drink it to kill himself so that he would put the police
officers in trouble.
The prosecutor also said that the defendant broke the glass of the
vehicle with his elbow and caused damage to police property.
He said the offences contravened the provisions of Sections 148,153,173,231, 326 and 327 of the Penal Code.
The counsel to the defendant, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) was, however,
not in court.
The judge thereafter adjourned the case to April 5, for hearing.
