Non appearance of the suspended Adamawa state Resident Electoral Commissioner,REC.Hudu Yunusa Ari has stalled the legal proceedings instituted against him by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)in the state.
At a resumed sitting in High court Yola Monday,Counsel to the complainant (INEC),Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) alleged that, Barr. Ari and his surety have been evading arrest.
Jacobs (SAN) told the Court presided by Justice Benjamin Manji Lawan that the prosecution failed to arraign Hudu Ari due to inability to arrest him.
Recalled that,INEC dragged Hudu to court on 6 count charges boredering on announcement of false electoral results, violating the oath of neutrality, breach of duty, disorderly conduct at election, inciting public disturbance and impersonating a public servant.
Rotimi informed the court that the defendant had refused invitation from the Investigative Police Office(IPO) upon service of hearing notice.
Furthermore,he pleaded with the court for adjournment to enable police effect his arrest for arraignment and trial, or alternatively bring application for the court to issue warrant of arrest against him.
In his testimony before the court,the police IPO. CSP, Moses Jolujdo, confirmed that, the defendant and his surety have been evading arrest.
Presiding judge of the court,Justice Benjamin Manji Lawan, granted the application and subsequently adjourned the case to the 22nd November, 2023 for the arraignment.
Answering questions from journalists at the court premises, newsmen,Jacobs(SAN) said, “The defendant has been evasive. You can’t get him or arrest him. He is hiding. The lawyers have been encouraging him to do so.
“ The defendant is not a party to the case, he is using against his arraignment. He has been writing letters to court asking for dates or adjournments based on the case that he is not a party to it”, Rotimi stated.
