Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, was recently caught on tape
bribing a tribunal judge who handled his election case in 2015, Justice Akon
Ikpeme.
Saharareporters reporting……
In the audio tape, which allegedly captures a telephone
conversation between the judge and the Kogi West Senator, Ikpeme could be heard
telling Melaye to give her bribe in US dollars.
According to the audio, Ikpeme allegedly asked Melaye to
assist a person the lawmaker repeatedly referred to as her “daughter” secure a
job at the Cross Rivers State Ministry of Health.
In the course of the conversation, the Kogi West senator
allegedly bragged that he had already spoken to the state governor, Prof. Ben
Ayade with regards to the job offer.
Justice Ikpeme had in 2016 dismissed a petition by Melaye’s
opponent, Smart Adeyemi, contesting the emergence of the lawmaker at an
election tribunal.
Read the conversation that ensued between Melaye and justice
Ikpeme below…
Melaye: Hello,
Justice Ikpeme: Hello
Melaye: My Lord, we are just coming out of chambers
Justice Ikpeme: I wanted to let you know that I’m satisfied
Melaye: Oh.. Great, great, great, great. We are going to the
UK tonight. Errm
I’m flying with the senate President but we will be back on Monday.
Justice Ikpeme: Okay
Melaye: So we will just look for a day during the week so I
will keep talking to you, so once I return I will come.
Justice Ikpeme: I wanted to tell you that whatever you want
to do, make it in US Dollars.
Melaye: Of course, of course, of course, no problem madam. How
is my sister, I have given the perm sec, so they will reach her.
Justice Ikpeme: I wanted to ask because
Melaye: I have given it to the perm sec, so they will
definitely reach her. I will call him again as soon as I get back so they can
invite her here.
Justice Ikpeme: Okay
Dino Melaye allegedly caught on tape bribing Tribunal Judge,
Ikpeme [Audio]
Melaye: No problem ma, thank you ma.
Justice Ikpeme: Safe journey
Melaye: Alright Ma, God bless you.
Justice Ikpeme: Keep reminding the perm sec
Melaye: Definitely, definitely.
In another conversation, both could be heard saying,
Justice Ikpeme: Distinguish good afternoon.
Melaye: Hee, the best of law
Justice Ikpeme: (Laughing), How are you?
Melaye: I’m here as you see me oo
Justice Ikpeme: I can’t hear you
Melaye: I said you have refused to come oo
Justice Ikpeme: I will come
Melaye: I hope rapture will not take place before you come
Justice Ikpeme: I will come when there is opportunity
Melaye: I just spoke with err Prof. now
Justice Ikpeme: Okay
Melaye: So he said if she is ready to start without pay,
that she can come and see him and start immediately, because the present set
now will finish by the end of this first quarter that’s March, that’s when they
are taking in the next set, but if she wants to start without pay, that I
should give her a note while coming and she will start immediately.
Justice Ikpeme: And after March, she will start getting pay?
Melaye: Definitely, yes after he said when the school….after
the first quarter, so if you discuss with her, then err… whatever she preferred
he said I should just give her note to come.
Justice Ikpeme: Let me discuss with her at least, you can
err send a note to her, email it to her if she’s available.
Melaye: Okay, alright
Justice Ikpeme: But let me discuss with her, thank you very
much.
Melaye: Alright, no problem.
Attempts to get Melaye’s reaction failed as he was in Senate
session as at press time.
Listen to audio below…
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