The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has accused its suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, and his surety of being on the run. The Commission informed the Adamawa State High Court on Monday that Hudu Ari is evading arraignment.
Represented by its Counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), INEC informed Justice Benjamin Manji Lawan that the prosecution had been unable to arraign Hudu Ari due to his inability to be apprehended. The charges against Hudu Ari include false electoral results, violation of the oath of neutrality, breach of duty, disorderly conduct at the election, inciting disturbance, and impersonating a public servant.
The case against Hudu Ari stemmed from the governorship election in Adamawa State in March of this year. At the time, Hudu Ari declared himself the winner of the election before all the results had been fully collated. Furthermore, the candidate he announced, Senator Aishatu Ahmed (Binani), was not leading at the time of his declaration.
During the Monday court session, Rotimi Jacobs informed the court that the defendant had refused an invitation from the Investigative Police Officer after being served a hearing notice. He requested an adjournment to allow the police to arrest Hudu Ari for arraignment and trial or for the court to issue a warrant of arrest against him.
The Investigative Police Officer, CSP Moses Jolujdo, confirmed to the court that both the defendant and his surety had been evading arrest. Consequently, the court granted the adjournment and scheduled November 22, 2023, as the new date for Hudu Ari’s arraignment.
Speaking to journalists after the court session, INEC’s Counsel expressed frustration with Hudu Ari’s behavior. He stated, “The defendant has been evasive. You can’t get him or arrest him. He is hiding.” He further urged the police to intensify their efforts to apprehend Hudu Ari.
