Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, has been caught on tape allegedly bribing a tribunal judge who handled his election case in 2015, Justice Akon Ikpeme, Saharareporters is 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
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.
Reacting to the report, Melaye who took to his twitter handle wrote: “Sahara reporters and awada kerikeri. Using voice over to malign me because my case with them comes up in few days time. (5th June 2017).”
Listen to audio below…
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