Following the ruling of a Federal High Court which sat in Abuja on Wednesday, October 5, Senator Dino Melaye will be getting a N10million award in damages. Justice Gabriel Kolawole granted N10 million in damages to Melaye, over a lawsuit filed by the senator against the Inspector General of Police.
Senator Melaye had filed the lawsuit in 2014 after the police stopped him from protesting against former Aviation minister, Stella Oduah, who was fingered in a scam in which she authorized the purchase of two overpriced bulletproof BMW cars for her personal use.
Police had manhandled and briefly detainedMelaye as he led a group of protesters against the former minister, who is now a senator representing Anambra state. The police had justified their actions on the grounds that Mr. Melaye and fellow protesters had not obtained permission to stage their protest. Sahara Reporters report that Justice Kolawole ruled that the police had violated Mr. Melaye’s rights, and awarded N10 million in damages to the senator. However, in a parting shot, the judge reportedly mocked Mr Melaye as a “self-styled” anti-corruption activist. He said he awarded the cost to the plaintiff because Nigerians have a right to peaceful protest, but also noted that Melaye has now become a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The usually charismatic and vociferous senator made little noise about his court victory. Meanwhile, the senator representing Kogi Central senatorial district has bought a new supercar which is worth about N180million. Premium Times reports that Melaye, who already owns a fleet of luxury and antiquated cars worth billions of Naira, has acquired a 93-year-old Rolls Royce. The Rolls Royce has the customized license plates “MELAYE 2” and is believed to cost some $400,000.
source:Naji
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