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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has filed a six-count charge against the suspended Adamawa Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari, at an Adamawa State High Court.
Consequently, the High Court has fixed July 12, 2023 for the arraignment and trial.
The decision to prosecute the commissioner followed a meeting of Resident Electoral Commissioners and communicated in a press statement on Thursday.
Persecondnews earlier reported how the suspended Adamawa REC became enmeshed in controversy during the supplementary election in the state on April 15, 2023.
Ari, who was not empowered by law, illegally declared Aishatu Dahiru of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the Adamawa State governorship election, a day after the supplementary elections.
Mr Festus Okoye, the National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee said in a statement on Thursday that the Police has established a prima facie case against Ari.
“It is worthy to note that a ‘Prima Facie’ is a latin expression meaning at first sight or based on first impression.
“it will be recalled that at the meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) two days ago on Tuesday 4th July 2023, the commission confirmed the reciept of case files from the Nigeria Police following the conclusion of investigation into alleged electoral offences during the 2023 General Election including the one involving the Resident Electoral Commissioner deployed to Adamawa State.
“As provided by section 145(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, an offence committed under the Act shall be triable in a Magistrate Court or a High Court of a state in which the offence is committed, or the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja,” he said.
He said: “The commission has filed a six-count charge against him at the Adamawa State High Court sitting in Yola. Consequently, the court has fixed Wednesday 12th July for commencement of trial.”
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