The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Thursday filed a six-count charge against the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari.
A statement by INEC’s spokesman, Festus Okoye disclosed that the charges were filed at the High Court in Yola.
Okoye said the electoral body took the action after reviewing the case file from the police which established a prima facie case against Yunusa-Ari.
“Having reviewed the case file from the Police which established a prima facie case against Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari, the Commission has filed a six-count charge against him at the Adamawa State High Court sitting in Yola. Consequently, the Court has fixed Wednesday 12th July 2023 for the commencement of trial.
“Meanwhile, the Commission is working with the Nigerian Bar Association for the diligent prosecution of other cases”, the statement read in part.
Credible News recalls that Yunusa-Ari had courted controversy after the supplementary election in Adamawa on April 15, 2023, when he announced Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru of the All Progressives Congress as the winner of the poll while the collation of results was ongoing.
The situation prompted INEC to nullify Yunusa-Ari’s decision and suspended him while the former President, Muhammadu Buhari ordered a full investigation into the matter.
INEC subsequently concluded the election and announced the incumbent governor, Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples’ Democratic Party as the authentic winner of the drama-filled poll.
The Police later arrested Yunusa-Ari over his actions during Adamawa State governorship election. He was granted administrative bail, then asked to report to the Police headquarters, Abuja every weekday.