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Court orders arrest of suspended Adamawa REC, Hudu Ari

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Following repeated failures to appear in court for arraignment, Justice Benjamin Manji Lawan of Adamawa State High Court on Wednesday, issued the warrant of arrest against suspended INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari.

The court ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to arrest Mr Ari and provide him in court with immediate effect to stand trial on a 3-count charge.

Justice Manji, issued the warrant of arrest in his ruling on the application dated and lodged on the 16th April, 2024, by the Adamawa State Government through its counsels.

Hudu, who served as the REC for Adamawa during the last controversial gubernatorial election, faces charges related to declaring a wrong winner prematurely, a move deemed illegal as the electoral process had not concluded, and he lacked the authority to make such unbecoming declarations.

Despite being suspended by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and subsequently charged to court, Hudu has consistently evaded court summons, hindering the progress of the prosecution.

In response to this evasion, the Adamawa State Government initiated legal action against Hudu. However, his persistent absence prompted Justice Benjamin Manji Lawan of the Adamawa State High Court to issue an arrest warrant against him.

Counsel to the complainant, L. D. Nzadon, cited Section 20 Subsection (1j) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) 2018 in urging the court to take action, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations against Hudu.