The Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial district, Dino Melaye, lied when he claimed he was abducted by gunmen, an online news medium has said.

According to SaharaReporters, Melaye’s relatives and many senators told them that the senator was never kidnapped but only staged a walk into a bush to avoid being brought before a Kogi High Court on gunrunning charges.

Wuzup Naija had reported Melaye’s purported kidnap on Thursday after fellow senator and ally, Ben Murray-Bruce, tweeted about the incident.

Melaye resurfaced on Friday, claiming he escaped from the kidnappers. SaharaReporters, however, claimed the senator lied, adding that he was never abducted.

He wrote on Twitter:

“I thank God once again for escaping another dangerous attack. I also thank Nigerians for their prayers and show of Love. Spent 11 hours in the wilderness traumatized but God preserved me. God is the best and in whom ONLY I trust. They will continue to try. WE SHALL OVERCOME!!!”

Contrary to those claims, SR claims that Melaye’s relatives and many senators have revealed that he was never kidnapped but only staged a walk into a bush to avoid being charged before a Kogi High Court.