A Federal High Court in Osogbo, Osun State has issued a warrant for the arrest and imprisonment of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for contempt of court. The order, delivered by Justice Adefunmilola Demi‑Ajayi, compels the Inspector General of Police to execute the arrest and initiate committal proceedings within seven days.
The ruling stems from allegations that Prof. Yakubu, alongside INEC, failed to comply with a prior court judgment directing the commission to relist national executives of the Action Alliance party on INEC’s official portal.
The court order references Suit No. FHC/OS/CS/194/2024, filed by Action Alliance (AA), which sought to compel INEC to restore names of its national officers whose listings were removed from INEC’s portal. The plaintiffs contend that these removals were unlawful, and that INEC’s inaction violated the earlier judgment of the court.
In its motion, AA invoked judgment enforcement rules and the inherent jurisdiction of the court, asking for orders of committal (imprisonment) for INEC and Yakubu for contempt. The court agreed, stipulating that the IGP must effect the arrest and charge Yakubu and INEC within the statutory time frame.
Reaction & Legal Implications:
News of the arrest order has provoked strong reactions among stakeholders in Nigeria’s political and legal spheres. Some observers view the move as an essential enforcement of judicial authority, warning that no individual or institution should be above court orders. Others raise concerns about timing, given that Prof. Yakubu recently ended his tenure as INEC chair.
Political actors and civil society have also weighed in. The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) accused Yakubu of bias and weakening Nigeria’s multi‑party democracy during his decade-long tenure. At the same time, reform advocates point to his contributions, notably the introduction of innovations like BVAS (Bimodal Voter Accreditation System) and IReV (Result Viewing portal) during his leadership.
The ruling raises key questions: will the arrest be executed? Will Yakubu comply or appeal? And what precedent does this set for accountability in Nigeria’s electoral and institutional frameworks?
- The Inspector General of Police is legally bound to carry out the arrest within seven days of the ruling.
- Prof. Yakubu and INEC have the opportunity to respond in court or seek relief via appeal.
- Political and legal watchers will closely monitor how this decision affects perceptions of institutional independence and checks and balances.
- Public commentary and advocacy may influence subsequent interpretations of electoral accountability.
Invitation for Public Engagement:
This court directive marks a pivotal moment in Nigerian democracy and the rule of law. It forces us to reflect on the weight of judicial orders, institutional respect, and accountability.
We encourage you to voice your perspective on this matter—share what you think on Control Room Media’s Facebook page and contribute to this important conversation.