… files 6-count charge against him
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is set to prosecute suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari in court.
To this end, INEC has filed a six-count charge against him before an Adamawa State High Court sitting in Yola.
Hearing in the matter resumes on July 12, 2023.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Festus Okoye in statement, said:
“INEC, held its regular weekly meeting today, Thursday, July 6, 2023, and discussed, among other issues, the progress with the prosecution of electoral offenders.
“It will be recalled that at the meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners, RECS, two days ago on July 4, 2023, the commission confirmed the receipt of case files from the Nigeria Police.
“This followed the conclusion of investigation into alleged electoral offences during the 2023 General Election, including the one involving the REC deployed to Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa Ari.
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“The Commission also assured Nigerians of immediate action on the matter.
Prima facie case established against Yunusa Ari
“As provided by Section 145(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, an offence committed under the Act shall be triable 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.
“Having reviewed the case file from the Police which established a prima facie case against Hudu Yunusa Ari, the Commission has filed a six-count charge against him at the Adamawa State High Court sitting in Yola.
Court fixes July 12 for trial
“Consequently, the court has fixed July 12, 2023 for commencement of trial.
“Meanwhile, the Commission is working with the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, for the diligent prosecution of other cases,” the statement added.
