Lokoja Court denies Melaye bail, to remain in police custody

Senator Dino Melaye is to remain in police custody for the next 39 days according to the ruling of a Kogi State Magistrate Court in Lokoja.

The Magistrate Court presided over by Suleiman Abdulahi denied the senator representing Kogi West senatorial district in the National Assembly bail on Thursday.

Police had bundled the lawmaker to court in an ambulance from Abuja to the court in Kogi Thursday morning over alleged conspiracy and escape from lawful custody.

Heavily armed policemen had before the embattled senator was brought to the court taken positions within and outside the court premises.

When the matter was tabled before the court, the prosecution, Alex Isihon, argued that the court did not have the jurisdiction to entertain the case.

His argument was countered by Melaye’s lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, who argued that the court had the powers by virtue of the constitution to try the case.

READ ALSO : Police bundles Melaye on stretcher to Kogi court

Ozekhome quoted Section 60 of the Penal Code which stated that the offence of conspiracy is bailable according to the Kogi State Administration of Criminal Justice, to support his position.

The court thereafter went for a short recess. Upon resumption, Chief Magistrate Abdulahi refused the senator bail and directed that he should remain in custody for the next 39 days .

The case was subsequently adjourned until June 11, 2018.

 

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