The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) accused its suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa State, Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari, and his surety of fleeing arrest yesterday.
The electoral commission, represented by its counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, informed the Adamawa High Court, presided over by Justice Benjamin Manji Lawan, that they were unable to arraign Hudu Ari due to their failure to apprehend him.
INEC had taken legal action against Hudu, charging him with six counts related to announcing false electoral results, violating the oath of neutrality, neglect of duty, disruptive behavior at elections, inciting disorder, and impersonating a public servant.
During the recent court session, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, appearing as the prosecution, informed the court that the defendant had declined an invitation from the investigative police officer (IPO) despite being served with a notice to appear.
However, he requested the court to postpone the proceedings, allowing the police to detain him for arraignment and trial, or alternatively, to request the court to issue a warrant for his arrest.
The investigative police officer (IPO), who identified himself in court as CSP Moses Jolujdo, confirmed that both the defendant and his surety had been evading arrest.
The presiding judge, Benjamin Manji Lawan, approved the request and consequently rescheduled the case for November 22, 2023, for the arraignment.
Responding to queries from reporters, INEC’s legal counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, stated: “The defendant has been evasive. You can’t get him or arrest him. He is hiding. The lawyers have been encouraging him to do so.”
He emphasized the necessity for the police to detain him and encouraged them to redouble their efforts in securing his arrest and subsequent prosecution.