Judge awards Dino Melaye N10m compensation in his case against Nigeria Police

Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted N10 million in damages to Senator Dino Melaye, over a lawsuit he filed against the Inspector General of Police.

Dino had filed the lawsuit in 2014 after police stopped him from protesting against former Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah, who was then exposed for a scam in which she authorized the purchase of two overpriced bulletproof BMW cars for her personal use at an exorbitant price.

Police had manhandled and briefly detained Dino as he led a group of protesters against Stella Oduah who is now a senator and one of Dino's new friends in Bukola Saraki's camp. Lol!

The police had justified their actions against Dino on the grounds that he and fellow protesters had not obtained permission to stage their protest.

According to SR, Justice Kolawole ruled that the police had violated his rights, and awarded N10m in damages to the senator.

However, in a parting shot, the judge mocked Dino as a “self-styled” anti-corruption activist. He said he awarded the cost simply because every Nigerian has a right to peaceful protest.

The usually loud Dino Melaye didn't say much about his court victory apparently because he and Ms. Stella Oduah, the target of his anti-corruption protest in 2014, are now working closely in support of Saraki who is facing trials for alleged false asset declaration as well as money laundering.