The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) convened its regular weekly meeting on Thursday, 6th July 2023, where several matters were discussed, including the progress made in prosecuting electoral offenders.
During the meeting held with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) on Tuesday, 4th July 2023, INEC confirmed that it had received case files from the Nigeria Police regarding alleged electoral offenses during the 2023 General Election. One of the cases involved the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) deployed to Adamawa State, Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari. The Commission assured the public of prompt action on the matter.
In accordance with Section 145(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, offenses committed under the Act can be tried in a Magistrate Court, High Court of the State where the offense occurred, or the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Additionally, Section 145(2) of the Act stipulates that the Commission’s legal officers or appointed legal practitioners may undertake prosecutions under the Act.
Following a thorough review of the case file by the Commission, which established a prima facie case against Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari, INEC has filed a six-count charge against him at the Adamawa State High Court in Yola.
As a result, the trial is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, 12th July 2023.
Furthermore, INEC is collaborating with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to ensure diligent prosecution of other similar cases.
