The suspended State Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Hudu Yunusa Ari, is facing serious legal troubles as an arrest warrant has been issued against him by the Adamawa State High Court.
Justice Benjamin Manji Lawan, who issued the warrant on Wednesday, has ordered the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to apprehend and bring Ari to court immediately to face trial on three counts.
The Adamawa State Government, through their counsel, filed an application on April 16, 2024, seeking the arrest warrant.
Ari is being accused of unlawfully assuming the powers of a returning officer by prematurely declaring the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Aishatu Ahmed Binani, as the winner before the completion of result collation.
Leonard Nzadon, the complainant’s counsel, presented the application for a warrant of arrest in court.
Nzadon urged the court to exercise its authority and direct the IGP to arrest Ari wherever he may be found.
According to Nzadon, all attempts to serve the defendant with the necessary documents have failed. Even the bailiff of the court, who was dispatched to Bauchi State on May 2 to 4, 2024, could not locate Ari.
The judge, in ruling on the application, expressed concern that this was the third time the case was being mentioned without the defendant’s presence in court.
The complainant’s counsel had informed the court about their unsuccessful attempts to serve Ari, suggesting that he may be deliberately evading service.
While issuing the warrant on Wednesday, Justice Benjamin Manji Lawan ordered the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to arrest and produce the embattled REC in court with immediate effect to stand trial on three counts.
The arrest warrant followed an application by the Adamawa State Government through its counsel, dated and filed on April 16, 2024.
Attempting to move the application for a warrant of arrest on Wednesday, counsel for the complainant, Leonard Nzadon, informed the court that the application was seeking the court’s leave to compel the IGP to produce Yunusa Ari in court.
He informed the court that efforts to serve the defendant had failed, adding that the bailiff of the court was in Bauchi State from May 2 to 4, 2024 to serve him, but the defendant was nowhere to be found.
In light of these developments, it is evident that Hudu Yunusa Ari is facing serious legal consequences for his alleged actions.
The court’s order for his immediate arrest and production in court underscores the gravity of the charges he is facing.
The pursuit of justice in this matter will continue as authorities work towards ensuring accountability and adherence to the law.
