Suspended Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner Allegedly Flees to Niger Republic

In a surprising turn of events, the Adamawa State High Court heard on Wednesday that the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Hudu Yunusa-Ari, has purportedly fled to Niger Republic.

The disclosure was made during the court’s proceedings, presided over by Justice Benjamin Lawan.

According to counsel to the defendant, Dr. Suleiman Usman (SAN), Hudu has sought refuge with his wife in Niger, away from his other wife in his home in Bauchi, Nigeria.

Despite the defense counsel’s assertion that he knew the whereabouts of his client, the court insisted that Hudu must be served in person, denying the plea for alternative methods of service.

The prosecution counsels, O. A. Atolabi and F. T. Ekyaan, informed the court of their application for a warrant of arrest against Hudu, citing his unavailability.

However, Justice Benjamin contended that since Hudu’s counsels assured the court of producing him, a warrant of arrest was deemed unnecessary.

This marks the second occasion on which Hudu has failed to appear for arraignment in the Adamawa State High Court. The initial scheduled appearance on November 6 saw him absent, with the prosecution expressing difficulties in reaching him.

Hudu Yunusa-Ari faces charges brought forth by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding his conduct as the Adamawa State REC during the governorship election.

Illegally assuming the role of the Returning Officer, he declared a winner before full collation of results, incorrectly announcing the APC candidate as the victor. Subsequently, INEC suspended him and concluded the collation, declaring the PDP candidate as the legitimate winner.

The ongoing court process stems from INEC’s legal action against Hudu.

The court has adjourned the matter to December 6 for arraignment, awaiting the appearance of the suspended REC.