INEC Files 6-count Charge Against Suspended Adamawa REC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has filed a six-count charge against Prof. Hudu Yunusa-Ari, the suspended Adamawa Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC).

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, said the charges relate to alleged electoral violations committed during the state’s governorship election in April.

Okoye said in an Abuja statement on Thursday that the lawsuit filed at the Yola High Court would be heard on July 12.

He stated that INEC considered the prosecution of electoral criminals at its normal weekly meeting on Thursday.

Suspended Adamawa INEC REC Granted Bail

According to him, the commission met with RECs on Tuesday and confirmed receipt of case files from the Nigeria Police following the conclusion of an investigation into alleged electoral offences committed during the 2023 general elections.

“One of the cases was the one involving the REC deployed to Adamawa; INEC had assured Nigerians of immediate action on that matter.

“As provided by Section 145(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, an offence committed under the Act shall be triable in a Magistrate’s or High Court of the State in which the offence was 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.

“Having reviewed the case file from the Police which established a prima facie case against Yunusa-Ari, INEC has filed a six-count charge against him at the Adamawa State High Court sitting in Yola.

“Consequently, the Court has fixed Wednesday, July 12, for commencement of trial.”

He added that the commission was working with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for the diligent prosecution of other cases.