Dino Melaye: Submit yourself to police – Falana tells lawmaker

Frontline human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has advised the
lawmaker representing Kogi West Senatorial district, Senator Dino
Melaye to surrender to the Nigerian Police Force.

The lawyer called on the Senator to end the siege by submitting
himself for arrest without any further delay.

Falana also cautioned the police operatives to conduct Melaye's
arrest, investigation and prosecution in strict compliance with the
relevant provisions of the penal statutes and the Constitution.

In a statement on Thursday the human right lawyer flayed the Police
for the sensationalization of the planned arrest of the Senator.

Falana said, "The fundamental right of every citizen to personal
liberty is guaranteed by section 35 of the Constitution of Nigeria and
article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.

"The right may however be violated by the State if there is reasonable
suspicion that any citizen has committed a criminal offence.

"The Nigeria Police Force recently announced its plan to arrest
Senator Dino on the allegation that he has committed the offences of
criminal conspiracy and attempted culpable homicide.

"The Senator did not respond to the invitation of the Police on the
grounds that the permission of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki
was not sought and obtained.

"Convinced that the Senator has decided not to submit himself for
investigation, a team of police personnel have surrounded his
residence with a view to effecting his arrest.

"The siege to the house by the Police has needlessly lasted for 6
days. It has been reported that the supply of electricity and water to
the house has been disconnected by the Police.

"Such action cannot be justified in law. There is no doubt that the
Nigeria Police Force has itself to blame for the sensational planned
arrest of the Senator.

"The Police ought to have affected the arrest of the Senator under the
relevant provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015
which empower the Police and other law enforcement to break into any
house to arrest if there is evidence that any criminal suspect against
whom a warrant of arrest has been issued by any court has absconded or
is concealing himself or herself so that the warrant cannot be
executed."