Sen. Dino Melaye Kidnapped

The Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial Zone, Mr. Dino Melaye, was earlier today, July 26, kidnapped by yet-to-be identified   gunmen.

Mr. Melaye was on his way to Lokoja from Abuja when the kidnappers’ vehicle blocked his. He was due to appear before a magistrate court sitting in Lokoja in a case of alleged gunrunning brought against him. Mr. Melaye has, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. 

In a tweet earlier today, one of his colleagues in the senate, Mr. Ben Murray-Bruce from Bayelsa State, announced the news of Mr. Melaye’s abduction.

"I have just been informed by Moses Melaye, @dino_melaye’s brother, that Dino has been abducted by unknown persons in a Toyota Sienna that blocked their car and overpowered them on their way to Kogi to answer to Dino’s court case. Lets be on the watch out. Will keep you updated," the tweet read.

The whereabouts of Senator Melaye is yet to be known.

Senator Melaye, a vocal critic of the Muhammadu Buhari administration, was one of the senators of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) who defected to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday.  

He was equally arraigned before an Abuja High Court yesterday on a six-count charge of escape from custody, attempted suicide and causing damage on police property. He has equally pleaded not guilty to these charges. 

He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The trial judge granted him bail in the sum of N5 million.