Deji Adeyanju’s Re-arrest: Dino Melaye Demands Senate Intervention

The federal lawmaker representing Kogi West senatorial district in the National Assembly, Dino Melaye, has called on the Senate to intervene in the recent arrest of political activist, Deji Adeyanju, by the Nigeria Police.

THE WHISTLER recalls that Mr Adeyanju, who was first arrested for leading a protest against police alleged partisanship in elections in the country, had been released but was re-arrested over his alleged involvement in a murder case in the late 2000s.

But raising a point of order on the floor of Senate on Tuesday, Senator Melaye argued that a court judgement had been delivered in the murder case and that Mr Adeyanju and two others involved were discharged.

The Kogi West senator, who noted that Mr Adeyanju was one of his constituents, made his point citing Orders 43 and 52.

“Deji Adeyanju is a pro-democracy activist. He has been arrested twice by the Nigerian police for organising protests in the defense of democracy,” said Melaye.

“This activist was arrested again by the Police, for a matter that took place 18 years ago. The judgement has been given. Deji Adeyanju and two others have been discharged and acquitted by the court.

“Mr. President, we are in a democracy. Our Constitution has given us the freedom of association, freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

“This is not acceptable to me; it should not be accepted by the Senate. It is time for the Senate to stand up and speak up in defense of Deji Adeyanju. We need to defend Deji Adeyanju, as we need to defend every Nigerian.

Senator Melaye therefore moved a motion for the Senate to, “Constitute a committee to look into this. A matter like this should not be awoken from the grave. This is about our basic fundamental human rights.”

The motion was seconded by Senator Emmanuel Paulker of Bayelsa central senatorial district.

Responding, Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, referred the Point of Order to the Senate Joint Committee on Police and Judiciary to investigate and report back to the Senate in one week.

“This young man has been arrested and rearrested. This is a country that is seen as a leader in the continent. The committee should look into this,” said Saraki.