TheCable

Okun Development Initiative (ODI), a socio-cultural group in Kogi state, has asked the police to respect the fundamental human rights of Dino Melaye in the course of their investigation.

Okun is the term used to describe groups of Yoruba speaking communities in Kogi.

People of Okun are from Kogi west, the senatorial district Melaye represents.

In a statement on Wednesday, Olalekan Aiyenigba, general secretary of ODI, said the events playing out between Melaye and the police is appalling.

Melaye is currently in a hospital after sustaining injuries while trying to escape from the police vehicle conveying him to a court in Lokoja, Kogi capital, for a gunrunning case.

Aiyenigba wondered why the police have insisted on taking the senator to Kogi when a court in Abuja is supposed to hear the case in May.

“We agree that no individual is above the law, hence every alleged infraction of the law should be investigated,” the statement read.

“In the performance of its responsibilities, the police should conform with laid down rules. The assumption of innocence as guaranteed by the law must be sacrosanct in the conduct of the police in the current case of Melaye.

“The respect for the fundamental human rights of Melaye as enshrined in and guaranteed by constitution must guide the police authorities in the course of their investigation. It is worrisome that the police is bent on taking him to Lokoja for a case already in court and is fixed for May 10, 2019, at the federal high court in Abuja.

“The police must not treat with levity the issues raised by Melaye through his lawyers which prompted the acting chief judge of the federal high court to transfer the case in question from Lokoja to Abuja; the alleged crime was said to have been committed on airport road, Abuja.

“Everything must be done to ensure the safety of Melaye while in custody of the Police.”

He, however, implored sons and daughters of Okun to remain peaceful and law-abiding while they pray for a speedy recovery of the embattled senator on any health challenges his current travails might have caused.