Dino Melaye, senator representing Kogi West at the National Assembly, has been arrested.
Melaye himself revealed this via twitter on Monday morning, saying he was on his way to Morocco for an official assignment when he was arrested.
I have just been arrested at the international wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe airport on my way to Morocco for an official engagement sponsored by the Federal Govt after checking in.
— Senator Dino Melaye. (SDM) (@_dinomelaye) April 23, 2018
He did not say which law enforcement agency (Police, DSS, etc) that arrested him, but when contacted, Anjuguri Manzah, spokesman of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, said he was not aware of the development.
“I cannot confirm what you are asking because I am not aware of Dino Melaye’s arrest,” Manzah said.
Melaye had been declared wanted by the police after some suspected criminals confessed that he supplied them the arms with which they carried out operations, but he continued to attend senate sittings as well as other social gatherings and was never arrested. In fact, reports say the police escort attached to him was never withdrawn.
Meanwhile, Melaye was released later on Monday, but it was not immediately clear whether he continued on the trip to Morocco.
Gideon Ayodele, his spokesperson, confirmed this to journalists via the phone, saying simply “Yes, he had been released almost an hour ago”.
Also, Shehu Sani, Kaduna State Senator confirmed the release via twitter.
Dino is back home.
— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) April 23, 2018