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Politics of Dino Melaye’s Arrest, Release

Published

7 years ago

April 23, 2018

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Reactions have trailed the arrest, early Monday morning in Abuja of the senator representing Kogi West Senatorial Zone, Dino Melaye, and the subsequent release after a stand-off that lasted about two and a half hours.

His spokesperson, Mr. Gideon Ayodele confided in the Premium Times through a phone conversation about the release. He was quoted as saying: ““Yes, he had been released…”

Melaye was reportedly arrested by the Nigerian Immigration Service at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Monday morning while on his way to Morocco to an official assignment sponsored by the Nigerian government when he was held by security.

“He was released after the police couldn’t pin anything on him. The immigration officials who thought they were trying to help the police when they initially detained him were also embarrassed that the police couldn’t take him into custody,” Ayodele said.

His arrest which followed weeks of controversies between the senator and the police. While some welcomed it as deserving of a controversial lawmaker, others criticised the arrest as an act of executive recklessness.

Before his release, some of his colleagues at the Senate, like Ben Murray-Bruce, had condemned the arrest and called on federal authorities to release him immediately.

His arrest was initially linked to the police, who have been on a manhunt for him for several weeks, and had declared the lawmaker wanted for his alleged links to violence in Kogi state.

Melaye has however denied wrongdoing, alleging that his ordeal was politically-motivated.

While most Nigerians believe that the police would use the opportunity to enforce their own arrest warrant, they were surprise to see Police set him free. Reports also have it that much as the senator was declared wanted many months ago, he still goes about with police escort in his retinue of security team.

Another account also suggests that Melaye reportedly met with Kogi Police Commissioner, the same officer that declared him wanted, at a burial event two weeks ago. It is not therefore, why the Police will declare him wanted, and yet won’t arrest him even when he has not absconded.

Premium Times also reported earlier in the month that The Interpol had told it that it had not placed Melaye on its watch list contrary to Nigeria police’s claims.

The skirmishes between the Police and the vocal lawmaker is still unfolding.

Featured

Lagos Hotelier Slumps, Dies During Wife’s 60th Birthday Thanksgiving

Published

8 hours ago

April 21, 2025

Eric

A prominent Lagos hotelier, Otunba Kunle Akinyele, tragically passed away on Saturday after collapsing during a church thanksgiving service held in honour of his wife’s 60th birthday.

The incident occurred at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Iyanu, Odemuyiwa District Headquarters, Egbeda, Lagos State, leaving family, friends, and well-wishers in deep shock.

In a now-viral video shared on Facebook by Ayoade Ojeniyi on Sunday, the late businessman appeared visibly distressed, gesturing frantically—apparently requesting water or an inhaler—moments before slumping while delivering his testimony.

The thanksgiving service had been organised to celebrate his wife, Deaconess Catherine Adejoke Akinyele, with a grand reception scheduled to follow immediately after at Noble Castle Events Centre, Igando.

However, those plans were abruptly halted when news broke that Akinyele had collapsed in church. Despite frantic efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

One of the event vendors, who shared their experience via Facebook, said they had arrived at the reception venue as early as 10 am for the party, which was set to commence by 2pm.

The vendor wrote: “The celebrant, her husband, their children, and guests had all gone to church for the thanksgiving, intending to proceed to the reception afterwards. Varieties of foods were ready, decoration set, cocktails, emu oguro, and more. The live band had already mounted about 25 speakers. This is how people die? I can’t even think of asking for my balance for the job.”

Featured

Easter: Glo Urges Christians to Embrace Christ-like Virtues

Published

1 day ago

April 20, 2025

Eric

Telecommunications giant, Globacom, has charged Christians to embrace the virtues that Christ preached as the 2025 Easter celebrations hold this weekend.

While congratulating Christians in Nigeria in a goodwill message released from its Lagos Head Office on Thursday, Globacom admonished them to imbibe the noble qualities of Jesus Christ.

According to Glo, “Peace, love and sacrifice are the central message of Easter. Christ offered himself in atonement for the sins of the world and he lived a life which made Him an eternal symbol of peace and goodwill for mankind”

Globacom charged all Nigerians to espouse the lessons of selflessness, a necessary ingredient in the growth and development of every society and called on all Nigerians to join hands to make Nigeria a better place for all.

The company praised their perseverance through the 40-day Lenten period which comes before Easter as it emphasized the ideals of selflessness, love and peace among all as a way of demonstrating the exemplary life of Jesus Christ.

Easter comes yearly at the end of the Lenten season of fasting and prayer considered as a ritual of purification for the Christian faithful. It also precedes the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ on Good Friday and His eventual resurrection on Easter Sunday.

The company assured its customers of unhindered voice, data and Short Messaging Service (SMS) during and after the Easter celebrations, while urging them to avail themselves of the various data and voice offerings on the network.

Featured

Gospel Singer, Big Bolaji, Dies at 50

Published

2 days ago

April 19, 2025

Eric

The family of Bolaji Olarewaju, popularly known as Big Bolaji has confirmed the passing of the singer following a brief illness.

According to a statement signed by the Family on Saturday, Bolaji died on Easter Saturday.

The statement said, “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bolaji Olarewaju, affectionately known as “Big B,” a cherished father, husband, brother, and an esteemed figure in both the church community, an ordained Pastor in the RCCG and a giant in the music industry and our community. Bolaji left us on Easter Saturday, 19th April 2025, after a brief illness.

“His departure leaves a void in our hearts that can not be filled.

“Bolaji’s life was a testament to his passion for music, his unwavering faith, and his dedication to uplifting those around him. His legacy is not only in the melodies he created but in the lives he touched and the unquantifiable joy he spread.

“We take solace in knowing that his absence with us is his presence with the Lord, and the indelible mark he left on all who had the privilege of knowing him will not be erased.

“As we navigate through this time of loss, we kindly request privacy to mourn as a family. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received and ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers.

“Details regarding the obsequies will be shared in due course as we come together to celebrate Bolaji’s remarkable life and legacy.

“Thank you for respecting our wishes during this incredibly difficult time. With gratitude, The Family of Bolaji Olarewaju.”