The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken legal action against Hudu Ari, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Adamawa state.
Ari was arrested by the police for his alleged misconduct during the governorship election in Adamawa and was later released on bail.
In a statement released on Thursday by Festus Okoye, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, it was announced that the commission had examined the case file provided by the police. Based on their review, INEC has filed a six-count charge against Ari.
The case is scheduled to be heard at the Adamawa State High Court on July 12, 2023.
The statement read, “INEC held its regular weekly meeting today, Thursday, July 6, 2023, and discussed, among other issues, the progress with the prosecution of electoral offenders.
“It would be recalled that at the meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners two days ago on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, the Commission confirmed the receipt of case files from the Nigeria Police following the conclusion of the investigation into alleged electoral offences during the 2023 General Election, including the one involving the Resident Electoral Commissioner deployed to Adamawa State, Hudu Ari.
“The Commission also assured Nigerians of immediate action on the matter.
“As provided by Section 145(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, an offence committed under the Act shall be triable in a Magistrate Court or a High Court of the State in which the offence is committed, or the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
“Furthermore, Section 145(2) of the Act provides that a prosecution under the Act shall be undertaken by legal officers of the Commission or any legal practitioner appointed by it. Having reviewed the case file from the Police which established a prima facie case against Ari, the Commission has filed a six-count charge against him at the Adamawa State High Court sitting in Yola. Consequently, the Court has fixed Wednesday 12th July 2023 for commencement of trial.”
He, however, said the commission was working with the Nigerian Bar Association for the diligent prosecution of other cases.
