Suspended Adamawa REC, Hudu Yunusa Ari, Surety on the Run – INEC Reports

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) revealed yesterday that its suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa State, Barrister Hudu Yunusa Ari, and his surety are currently on the run, successfully evading arrest.

The accusations against Hudu Ari, brought forth by INEC, encompass a 6-count charge that includes announcing false electoral results, violating the oath of neutrality, breaching duty, engaging in disorderly conduct during elections, inciting disturbance, and impersonating a public servant.

During the court proceedings at the Adamawa High Court, presided over by Justice Benjamin Manji Lawan, Rotimi Jacobs, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), representing INEC, conveyed that the defendant had declined an invitation from the investigative police officer (IPO) after being served with a hearing notice.

Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, then requested the court to adjourn the case, allowing the police ample time to effect Hudu Ari’s arrest for arraignment and subsequent trial. Alternatively, he proposed that the court issue a warrant of arrest against him.

Confirming the evasion, the IPO, CSP Moses Jolujdo, informed the court that both the defendant and his surety were actively avoiding capture.

Presiding Judge Benjamin Manji Lawan granted the prosecution’s application and set the case’s next hearing for November 22, 2023, where the arraignment is expected to take place.

Speaking to the press, Rotimi Jacobs, counsel to INEC, emphasized, “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 further stressed the need for the police to intensify their efforts in apprehending Hudu Ari and ensuring his prosecution.