Suspended Adamawa REC Ari In Niger Republic, Court Told

The suspended Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Hudu Yunusa Ari, has escaped to Niger Republic, the State High Court heard in Yola yesterday.

The court presided over by Hon. Justice Benjamin Manji Lawan was told at the resumed sitting that the suspended REC is presently in Niger Republic.

His counsel, Dr. Suleiman Usman (SAN), informed the court that he knew the whereabouts of his client, and that he was in Niger Republic.

He said his client has two wives who reside in Bauchi State and Niger Republic respectively, and was with his other wife in Niger Republic.

He told the court that he was ready to collect the service on behalf of his client, but the court vehemently refused, saying the defendant must be served personally. 

It was based on the foregoing that Dr. Suleiman who appeared alongside Abel Oziokor Esq promised to produce Hudu in court, and pleaded with the court to grant them adjournment to enable them produce him.

Earlier, counsel to the prosecution, O. A. Atolabi who appeared alongside F. T. Ekyaan, said they brought an application to the court to issue them a warrant of arrest against the defendant, saying he was nowhere to be found.

Justice Benjamin said there was no need to issue a warrant since Hudu’s counsel had appeared and assured that they would produce him at the adjourned date of December 6, 2023 for arraignment.