The Federal High Court in Osogbo has ordered the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to arrest the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, for contempt and disobedience of court orders.
Justice Funmilola Demi-Ajayi issued the ruling on Monday in a case between the Action Alliance (AA) and INEC. The court found that the commission and its chairman failed to comply with an earlier judgment directing INEC to recognise all state chairmen elected under the Adekunle Rufai Omoaje-led National Executive Committee (NEC).
The Action Alliance, through its counsel K.O. Etibo, initiated committal proceedings against Yakubu, accusing him of “flagrant disobedience” of the court’s directive.
Under the ruling, INEC and Yakubu have seven days to restore the names of all Omoaje-led state chairmen to the commission’s official portal. Failure to do so will result in the IGP arresting Yakubu. The court also imposed a ₦100,000 fine on the INEC chairman.
Justice Demi-Ajayi reaffirmed the legitimacy of the Action Alliance’s national convention that produced Adekunle Rufai Omoaje as National Chairman, noting it was properly monitored by INEC and conducted in line with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
The decision has sparked nationwide interest, with many observers saying it could mark a turning point in how electoral disputes and disregard for court orders are addressed ahead of future elections.
