Melaye threatens mass action if Atiku is arrested over corruption petition

Former Kogi West senator, Dino Melaye, has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government regarding any attempt to arrest or interrogate the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar. In a video posted on his X page, Melaye declared that if Atiku is unjustly invited, arrested, or questioned on frivolous corruption allegations, the ADC will demonstrate to the government that Nigerians are far more than the supposed one percent in power.

"This is our note of warning," Melaye stated, "if due to this frivolous petitions you invite, arrest, or interview Atiku Abubakar, we will prove to you that those in government are less than one percent of the population of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We will prove to you that the people own government."

According to Melaye, a former House of Representatives member, Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, had petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to re-open corruption cases against Atiku. The petition, signed by Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, SAN, alleged that between 2005 and 2006, the EFCC investigated claims of money laundering, abuse of office, and the misappropriation of $135 million from the Petroleum Technology Development Funds (PTDF).

The investigation resulted in a political rift between Atiku and former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Ultimately, a Lagos State High Court dismissed the EFCC's administrative indictment in December 2006, ruling it unconstitutional and flawed.