The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) revealed yesterday that its suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa State, Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari, and his surety were currently on the run, managing to evade arrest despite the charges against them. INEC’s counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, informed the Adamawa High Court, presided over by Justice Benjamin Manji Lawan, that Hudu Ari had not been arraigned due to the authorities’ inability to apprehend him.
INEC had brought a 6-count charge against Hudu, including offenses related to announcing false electoral results, violating the oath of neutrality, breaching duty, disorderly conduct at elections, inciting disturbance, and impersonating a public servant.
During the hearing, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, representing the prosecution, informed the court that the defendant had ignored invitations from the investigative police officer (IPO) despite being served a hearing notice. Jacobs requested an adjournment to enable the police to arrest Hudu Ari for arraignment and trial, or alternatively, to seek a warrant of arrest from the court.
The IPO, identified as CSP Moses Jolujdo, confirmed in court that both the defendant and his surety had been successfully evading arrest.
Presiding Judge Benjamin Manji Lawan granted the prosecution’s request and adjourned the case to November 22, 2023, for the arraignment.
Speaking to reporters, INEC’s counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, emphasized the defendant’s elusive status, stating, “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.” Jacobs stressed the importance of Hudu’s arrest and prosecution, urging the police to intensify their efforts in this regard.
