A high court in Adamawa State has issued a warrant of arrest against the suspended State Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Hudu Yunusa Ari.
The warrant, issued by Justice Benjamin Manji Lawan on Wednesday, orders the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to arrest and produce Ari in court immediately to stand trial on three counts.
The arrest warrant follows an application by the Adamawa State Government, filed on April 16, 2024, accusing Ari of usurping the powers of a returning officer to declare the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Aishatu Ahmed Binani, winner before the collation of results for the election was completed.
Counsel for the complainant, Leonard Nzadon, told the court that efforts to serve Ari with the court papers had failed, and urged the court to direct the IGP to arrest the defendant wherever he may be found.
The judge, Justice Lawan, noted that it was the third time the case had been mentioned without Ari appearing in court, and granted the application for the arrest warrant.
Ari is to stand trial for allegedly violating the electoral laws and procedures during the recent governorship election in Adamawa State. The case has been adjourned to a later date, pending Ari’s arrest and production in court.
