The Code of
Conduct Bureau (CCB) has disclosed that it has opened an investigation into an
allegation that Senator Dino Melaye, who represents Kogi West constituency in
the National Assembly, maintains a foreign bank account in violation of Nigerian law.
the National Assembly, maintains a foreign bank account in violation of Nigerian law.
An
anti-corruption organization, Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC),
had in a recent petition urged the CCB to investigate Mr. Melaye for a number
of alleged crimes, including the operation of a foreign bank account.
In a
response addressed to CSNAC and obtained by SaharaReporters, the Code of
Conduct Bureau thanked the activist group for its “initiative to forward the
aforementioned petition for investigations.”
According to Saharareporters; The CCB’s
letter, which was signed on behalf of the bureau’s chairman by Awwal Usman
Yakasai, a director, also disclosed, “the Bureau is currently investigating the
allegations and awaiting response on correspondences with relevant authorities
that may provide further and possible evidence on the allegations and enable
further necessary action on the matter.”
Mr. Melaye,
who has a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most scandal-dogged senators, is also
facing growing public condemnation after SaharaReporters released an audiotape
in which he is heard discussing a monetary gift and other favors with Justice
Akoh Ikpeme, a female judge who presided over an electoral petition against the
senator. A transcript of the taped conversation revealed that the judge asked
Senator Melaye to provide any funds to her in US dollars.
In response
to the tape, CSNAC also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
(EFCC) to investigate Mr. Melaye for his alleged bribe to Justice Ikpeme in
2015. The judge ultimately dismissed the electoral challenge to Mr. Melaye’s
election.
In a
petition signed by its chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, CSNAC urged the EFCC to
constitute a team of forensic experts and investigators charged with
investigating the audiotape and possibly prosecuting the senator and Justice
Ikpeme.
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