The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday said it has instituted a six-count charge against the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) deployed to Adamawa State, Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari.
The electoral umpire said the case, which is before the Adamawa State High Court sitting in Yola, was premised on unprofessional conduct in the recently concluded Governorship election in the state.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC) and National Commissioner, Festus Okoye Esq., on Thursday.
It would be recalled that on Tuesday 4th July 2023, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during a meeting with RECs, confirmed the receipt of case files from the Nigeria Police following the conclusion of an investigation into alleged electoral offences during the 2023 General Election, including the one involving Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari, and assured Nigerians of immediate action on the matter.
Explaining the reason for filing the charges at the Court in Adamawa, Okoye said “As provided by Section 145(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, an offence committed under the Act shall be liable for trial in a Magistrate Court or a High Court of a State in which the offence is committed, or the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
“Furthermore, Section 145(2) of the Act provides that a prosecution under the Act shall be undertaken by legal officers of the Commission, or any legal practitioner appointed by it”, the statement explained.
Continuing, Okoye said “Having reviewed the case file from the Police which established a prima facie case against Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari, the Commission has filed a six-count charge against him at the Adamawa State High Court sitting in Yola”
“Consequently, the Court has fixed Wednesday 12th July 2023 for commencement of trial,” he added.
Okoye further added that the Commission was working with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for the diligent prosecution of other cases.
