(In Nigeria) Former Federal Lawmaker Senator Dino Melaye Appears in Court First Time on His Judicial Attire

 

On Friday, former federal lawmaker Senator Dino Melaye made his first public appearance as a practicing lawyer at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The former Kogi West senator appeared in full legal attire, wearing the traditional lawyer’s gown and wig, as he attended proceedings before Justice Emeka Nwite in Court 8. Melaye, a well-known political figure and member of the African Democratic Congress, recently completed his legal education at Baze University in Abuja. He was among over 5000 new lawyers officially called to the Nigerian Bar in a ceremony held earlier this year. He shared photos from the court visit on his official Facebook page, confirming that it was his first appearance in court since becoming a certified legal practitioner. This step marks a new chapter in Melaye’s professional life, shifting from legislative activities to the legal field. While it is still unclear whether he will focus fully on legal practice or combine it with his political activities, the courtroom appearance reflects his seriousness about his new legal role. Melaye’s decision to pursue law and appear in court has attracted attention both online and in political circles, with many Nigerians praising the move as an example of continuous self-development. His move into law is seen by some as a way to stay active in public affairs while out of elective office.

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Senator Dino Melaye is widely known across Nigeria as a bold, outspoken politician who represented the Kogi West Senatorial District during the 8th National Assembly. He built a reputation for being vocal against government actions he viewed as unjust, and he became particularly popular among Nigerian youth for his dramatic, and often humorous, style of political engagement. Now, as a trained lawyer, Melaye seems to be expanding his public role beyond politics. His graduation from Baze University and recent call to the Bar mark a significant personal achievement. While many know him for his political controversies and frequent criticism of those in power, this legal milestone offers a different side to his public identity. Public reaction to his appearance in court has been mixed but largely positive. Supporters see it as a sign of growth and dedication, noting that it is rare for politicians to return to school and take on such a demanding profession. Some political commentators have also speculated that Melaye could use his legal background to boost his future political campaigns or even support legal reform. Critics, however, question whether his court appearances will be consistent or simply symbolic. Given his active social media presence and flair for public drama, some expect that his legal career may be just as attention-grabbing as his time in politics. Nevertheless, Dino Melaye’s transition from lawmaker to lawyer is one of the more unique developments in Nigerian politics today. It remains to be seen how far he will go in his new profession, but for now, his court appearance is a headline-making moment.

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