Senator Dino Melaye, has been allegedly caught on tape allegedly bribing a tribunal judge who handled his election case in 2015, Justice Akon Ikpeme, Saharareporters is reporting.<\/p>\n
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.
\nAccording to the audio, Ikpeme allegedly asked Melaye to assist a person the lawmaker repeatedly referred to as her \u201cdaughter\u201d secure a job at the Cross Rivers State Ministry of Health.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Justice Ikpeme had in 2016 dismissed a petition by Melaye\u2019s opponent, Smart Adeyemi, contesting the emergence of the lawmaker at an election tribunal.
\nRead the conversation that ensued between Melaye and justice Ikpeme below\u2026<\/p>\n
Melaye: Hello,<\/p>\n
Justice Ikpeme: Hello
\nMelaye: My Lord, we are just coming out of chambers<\/p>\n
Justice Ikpeme: I wanted to let you know that I\u2019m satisfied<\/p>\n
Melaye: Oh.. Great, great, great, great. We are going to the UK tonight. Errm I\u2019m flying with the senate President but we will be back on Monday.<\/p>\n
Justice Ikpeme: Okay<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Justice Ikpeme: I wanted to tell you that whatever you want to do, make it in US Dollars.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Justice Ikpeme: I wanted to ask because<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Justice Ikpeme: Okay<\/p>\n
Melaye: No problem ma, thank you ma.<\/p>\n
Dino Melaye allegedly caught on tape bribing Tribunal Judge, Ikpeme [Audio]<\/p>\n
Justice Ikpeme: Safe journey<\/p>\n
Melaye: Alright Ma, God bless you.<\/p>\n
Justice Ikpeme: Keep reminding the perm sec<\/p>\n
Melaye: Definitely, definitely.<\/p>\n
In another conversation, both could be heard saying,
\nJustice Ikpeme: Distinguish good afternoon.<\/p>\n
Melaye: Hee, the best of law<\/p>\n
Justice Ikpeme: (Laughing), How are you?<\/p>\n
Melaye: I\u2019m here as you see me oo<\/p>\n
Justice Ikpeme: I can\u2019t hear you<\/p>\n
Melaye: I said you have refused to come oo<\/p>\n
Justice Ikpeme: I will come<\/p>\n
Melaye: I hope rapture will not take place before you come<\/p>\n
Justice Ikpeme: I will come when there is opportunity<\/p>\n
Melaye: I just spoke with err Prof. now<\/p>\n
Justice Ikpeme: Okay<\/p>\n
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\u2019s March, that\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Justice Ikpeme: And after March, she will start getting pay?<\/p>\n
Melaye: Definitely, yes after he said when the school\u2026.after the first quarter, so if you discuss with her, then err\u2026 whatever she preferred he said I should just give her note to come.<\/p>\n
Justice Ikpeme: Let me discuss with her at least, you can err send a note to her, email it to her if she\u2019s available.<\/p>\n
Melaye: Okay, alright<\/p>\n
Justice Ikpeme: But let me discuss with her, thank you very much.<\/p>\n
Melaye: Alright, no problem.<\/p>\n
Reacting to the report, Melaye who took to his twitter handle wrote: \u201cSahara reporters and awada kerikeri. Using voice over to malign me because my case with them comes up in few days time. (5th June 2017).\u201d<\/p>\n
Listen to audio below\u2026
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