By Emeka Blast 
Dino Melaye Debuts in Court as a Lawyer
Former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye marked a significant milestone in his career transition by making his first courtroom appearance as a lawyer on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Dressed in the traditional black gown and wig, Melaye appeared before Justice Emeka Nwite at Court 8, proudly sharing the moment on his verified Facebook page: “Senator Dino Melaye @ the Federal High Court Abuja today. Appeared before Justice Emeka Nwite of Court 8. E DON CAST.”
The appearance comes just weeks after Melaye was called to the Nigerian Bar on July 10, 2025, among a record-breaking cohort of 5,734 new lawyers, following his completion of a law degree at Baze University, Abuja. Known for his flamboyant political career, which included representing Kogi West in the 8th Senate and Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu in the House of Representatives, Melaye’s debut as a legal practitioner has drawn widespread attention. Court officials confirmed the case was adjourned to a later date, with details remaining confidential.
Melaye, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed his intent to focus on constitutional law and human rights, vowing to become a “judicial evangelist” to combat corruption in Nigeria’s judiciary. His transition to law has been both celebrated and scrutinized, with a recent controversy over a reception banner mislabeling his office as “Sen. Dino Melaye’s Chamber” instead of “Chambers,” sparking online debate about his mentorship and readiness.
Supporters, including mentee Babatunde Yusuf (KCute), hailed Melaye’s achievement, with Yusuf crediting the former senator’s guidance for his own pursuit of a second postgraduate degree. Social media reactions on X were mixed, with @ObaOfVibes likening Melaye’s career shift to a “Netflix courtroom drama,” while @firstladyship quipped that he might “show judges his G-Wagon” in court. Others, like @dolawanle, praised Melaye for adding value despite public criticism, noting his resilience in qualifying as a barrister.
