Jumping out of a moving truck is something you do when attempting an escape either from possible kidnappers or to avoid paying your fare in public transport. Senator Dino Melaye (APC, Kogi) reportedly did this while being he was being transported in a Police van to Kogi state on Tuesday. Since Monday when Mr Melaye was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, it has been a turbulent couple of days.

He has been pictured sitting on a major road somewhere between the Federal Capital Territory and Lokoja, in casuals and red stockings, with red rubber flip flops. You might easily assume it to be Dino on set filming his own cover of Charles Okocha’s skit about deserving accolades were it not for him screaming that he will kill himself. A number of Kalashnikov-wielding men, supposedly officers of the Nigerian Police, stand round him. There is one other man, supposedly with Mr Melaye, defending him. His trousers appear to be a product of the Italian designer, Gucci, whose products Mr Melaye often shows off on Instagram.

The Police declared him wanted on the 28th March, 2018. He was declared wanted alongside Mohammed Audu, son of a former governor of the state, Abubakar Audu. Both men were placed on Interpol watch list for allegedly providing false information to the police in relation to an alleged attempt on Mr. Melaye’s life last year. There have also been mentions that he has questions to answer in connection with arms found in the possession of certain miscreants. The Senator reportedly agreed to turn himself in but on the condition that he will not be taken to Lokoja where he says his arch-rival, Governor Yahaya Bello, has the capacity to influence security agencies. The long-running bad blood between both men is well documented; Senator Melaye has blamed the progress of a recall process initiated against him as a handwork of the Governor.

The Senator is not many persons’ cup of tea. His status as a Senator given more to showing off taxpayer-funded wealth than legislation has been nauseating to many. However, it would be worth considering if he is being treated with the dignity and due process befitting every Nigerian. As far as he has not been recalled, he remains a Senator representing an important people in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He has been dramatic jumping off a truck, but what is he trying to draw attention to and should Nigerians be bothered for him?

Recent actions by the Nigeria Police on citizens have been far from impressive. The tear gas attacks of members of the Bring Back Our Girls group are a brazen disregard of the freedom of assembly and expression. No other reason has been given other than a desire to protect the image of President Muhammadu Buhari, as though the Police were created for that purpose. Knowing that Senator Melaye is firmly in that camp in the Senate that has often stood against the president, it must be asked whether the means being used against him by the Police are also in line with protecting the president’s interests.

When the primary law and order institution in the country develops a record of intimidating harmless citizens, it will only be normal for those in custody to fear for their lives. It does not have to involve a ‘likeable’ person to evoke a sense of suspicion of the Nigerian Police.

Alexander Onukwue