…By Larry John for TDPel Media.
INEC Takes Suspended REC Hudu Ari to Court Over Election Misconduct
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made the decision to charge Hudu Ari, the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner in Adamawa state, in court.
The charges stem from Ari’s alleged misconduct during the 2023 governorship election in Adamawa.
Following his arrest, Ari was granted bail pending further proceedings.
Charge Filed and Court Date Set
Festus Okoye, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, released a statement on Thursday confirming that the commission had thoroughly reviewed the case file provided by the police.
As a result, INEC has filed a six-count charge against Ari.
The case is scheduled to be heard at the Adamawa State High Court on July 12, 2023.
INEC’s Commitment to Prosecuting Electoral Offenders
During its regular weekly meeting on Thursday, July 6, 2023, INEC discussed various matters, including the progress made in prosecuting electoral offenders.
In a prior meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, INEC acknowledged the receipt of case files from the Nigeria Police, which contained information on alleged electoral offenses committed during the 2023 General Election.
Among these cases was the one involving Hudu Ari, the Resident Electoral Commissioner deployed to Adamawa State.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Citing Section 145(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, the statement clarified that offenses under the Act can be tried in either a Magistrate Court or a High Court in the state where the offense was committed or in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Additionally, Section 145(2) states that prosecutions under the Act should be carried out by legal officers of INEC or appointed legal practitioners.
After examining the case file provided by the police, which reportedly presented a prima facie case against Ari, INEC has proceeded to file a six-count charge against him at the Adamawa State High Court in Yola.
The trial is set to commence on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.
INEC’s Swift Action and Commitment to Justice
The statement reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to taking immediate action against electoral offenders.
By filing charges against Hudu Ari, INEC aims to ensure that justice is served and electoral misconduct is appropriately addressed.
This serves as a reminder of the commission’s dedication to upholding the integrity of the electoral process in Nigeria.