‘False information’: Court grants Melaye N100,000 bail

A high court in the federal capital territory (FCT) has granted a N100,000 bail to Dino Melaye, senator representing Kogi west.

The federal government arraigned the senator on a two-count charge of “framing” Edward David, chief of staff of Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi state, in an assassination attempt.

Melaye had accused Edward of being involved in the alleged attempt to assassinate him.

At the court on Thursday, After Melaye pleaded not guilty to the charges, while Magaji Labaran, counsel to the federal government, asked the court to fix two days for the commencement of trial.

Labaran informed the court that there is a witness seeking to testify in the case.

“We shall be asking for two clear days subject to the approval of your lordship to commence trial,” he said.

On his part, Rickey Tarfa, counsel to Melaye, informed of his application for bail.

“In line with section 35, 36 (5) of the 1999 constitution as amended and section 158, 163 of the ACJA act, this application is on the admittance for bail,” Tarfa said.

He also faulted the prosecution’s opposition to bail.

After listening to counsels, Olasumbo Goodluck, the judge, granted bail to the senator. He was asked to provide a surety who must be a level 14 civil servant.

Goodluck adjourned the matter till May 16 and May 17 for the commencement of trial.