The Federal High Court in Osogbo, Osun State, has directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to arrest the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, over allegations of contempt and disobedience of court orders. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
Court Ruling
The ruling, delivered by Justice Funmilola Demi-Ajayi on Monday, arose from a case between the Action Alliance (AA) and INEC. The court held that INEC and its chairman failed to comply with an earlier judgment mandating the commission to recognize all state chairmen elected under the Adekunle Rufai Omoaje-led National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party.
The Action Alliance, through its counsel K.O. Etibo, filed Forms 48 and 49, seeking committal proceedings against the INEC Chairman for what was described as “flagrant disobedience” of the court’s order.
Penalties and Directives
Justice Demi-Ajayi ruled that:
INEC and its chairman have seven days to restore the names of all state chairmen elected under Omoaje’s leadership to the commission’s official portal.
Failure to comply will result in the arrest of Mahmood Yakubu by the IGP.
A fine of ₦100,000 was awarded against the INEC Chairman.
Court’s Position on Omoaje’s Leadership
The judge reaffirmed the validity of the national convention that produced Adekunle Rufai Omoaje as National Chairman of the Action Alliance, alongside other NEC members.
According to the court, the convention—held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta—was properly monitored by INEC officials and conducted in line with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
What This Means
The ruling has sparked nationwide attention, as it could mark a major legal showdown between the judiciary and Nigeria’s electoral body. Observers say the outcome may set a precedent for how electoral disputes and disobedience to court orders are handled ahead of future elections.
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