Dino Melaye Says He Has Never Stolen Government Money

Former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye has declared that he has never stolen government money, a statement that has opened another chapter in Nigeria’s favourite political sport: politicians making powerful declarations while the public searches for the footnotes. Melaye, known for his outspoken anti-corruption rhetoric during his years in the Senate, insists that his record should not be confused with the allegations and controversies that have followed his political career.

The Anti-Corruption Crusader Faces the Archive

Melaye spent years raising allegations of financial misconduct against government agencies and officials. In 2017, for instance, he called for investigations into alleged financial irregularities in the power sector, including claims involving hundreds of millions of dollars. He also raised allegations concerning a supposed $137 million account linked to a government joint venture. Those claims were political allegations and were not, by themselves, proof of criminal wrongdoing by Melaye or anyone else.

That history gives his latest declaration an amusing political twist. For Melaye, the message appears straightforward: whatever Nigerians may remember from the political battlefield, he wants the public to remember one thing he says he has never stolen government money. In the unofficial Nigerian courtroom of social media, however, declarations are rarely accepted without a dramatic request for evidence, witnesses and, preferably, a very large file.

When “Government Money” Meets the Taxman

The statement also arrives against the background of a separate 2025 legal dispute involving Melaye and the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service over alleged personal income-tax liabilities. Premium Times reported that the FCT-IRS assessed him for more than N509.6 million for 2023 and 2024 and also alleged earlier under-declarations. Those were allegations in an ongoing legal matter, not a finding that Melaye stole government funds.

And therein lies the difference that makes the story worth watching: tax liability, corruption allegations and theft of government money are not interchangeable accusations. Melaye’s declaration therefore stands on its own as his position, while any legal question must ultimately be settled through due process rather than political noise, social-media verdicts or the volume of a politician’s microphone.

For now, Melaye has placed his reputation squarely behind the statement that he has never stolen government money. Whether Nigerians respond with applause, laughter or a request for the receipts, the declaration is certain to generate another round of political debate. OGM News NG will continue to watch the story and bring readers further updates as more facts, reactions or official developments emerge.