Court Orders IGP to Arrest INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu Over Contempt

The Federal High Court in Osogbo, Osun State, has ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to arrest the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, for alleged contempt of court and disobedience of lawful orders.

The ruling, delivered on Monday by Justice Funmilola Demi-Ajayi, followed a suit filed by the Action Alliance (AA) against INEC over the recognition of its leadership structure.

Court Ruling

Justice Demi-Ajayi held that both INEC and its chairman failed to comply with an earlier judgment compelling the commission to recognize all state chairmen elected under the Adekunle Rufai Omoaje-led National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party.

The Action Alliance, represented by counsel K.O. Etibo, had initiated committal proceedings through Forms 48 and 49, accusing the electoral body of “flagrant disobedience” of a valid court order.

Penalties and Directives

The court subsequently ruled that:

Court’s Position on Omoaje’s Leadership

Justice Demi-Ajayi further reaffirmed the legitimacy of the party’s national convention held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, which produced Adekunle Rufai Omoaje as National Chairman of the Action Alliance.

The judge noted that the convention was properly monitored by INEC officials and conducted in line with both the party’s constitution and the provisions of the Electoral Act.

Implications

The ruling has generated nationwide debate, as it pits the judiciary directly against the country’s electoral umpire. Legal analysts say the case could set a critical precedent on how courts enforce compliance in electoral matters, particularly as Nigeria approaches future elections.