The embattled Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Hudu Yunusa Ari, has fled to Niger Republic, the Adamawa State High Court was informed on Wednesday.
Yunusa became very popular during the 2023 general election when he miraculously declared Aishatu Binani of the All Progressives Congress as the Governor-elect of the Adamawa State without any figure. The
He was subsequently suspended after the inglorious act and he reportedly went into hiding from where he wrote a letter to the police that were investigating his action.
During Wednesday’s court proceedings, presided over by Justice Benjamin Manji Lawan, Ari’s lawyer, Dr. Suleiman Usman (SAN), informed the court that he knew his client’s whereabouts.
Usman stated that Hudu has two wives, one residing in Bauchi State, Nigeria, and the other in Niger Republic.
He claimed that the defendant is currently with his wife in Niger Republic and expressed willingness to accept service on his behalf.
The court, however, rejected Usman’s request.
Usman, alongside Abel Oziokor Esq, promised to produce Hudu in court and requested an adjournment to facilitate his appearance.
Counsel to the prosecution, O. A. Atolabi, appearing alongside F. T. Ekyaan, applied for a warrant of arrest against Hudu.
The judge declined the request, noting that Hudu’s counsel had appeared and assured the court of his presence at the adjourned date.
The case has been adjourned to Wednesday, December 6, 2023, for arraignment.
