The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it has filed a six-count charge against Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) deployed to Adamawa State during the 2023 general elections for electoral offences.
In a press statement signed by Festus Okoye, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC said Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari’s trial is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at the Adamawa State High Court in Yola.
Okoye said the decision to prosecute Barr. Ari was based on the case files received from the Nigeria Police after the law enforcement agency concluded its investigation into the alleged electoral offences. He said the case files, which have been meticulously reviewed by INEC, presented compelling evidence establishing a prima facie case against the former REC Commissioner.
The statement added that the trial will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Section 145(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates that offences committed under the Act shall be tried in either a Magistrate Court or a High Court of the state where the offence occurred, or in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Additionally, Section 145(2) of the Act stipulates that the prosecution under the Act shall be carried out by legal officers of the Commission or any appointed legal practitioner.
Okoye further stated that INEC is collaborating with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to ensure the diligent prosecution of other similar cases, demonstrating commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
