By our reporter
A Federal High Court in Osogbo, Osun State, has ordered the arrest of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, over his alleged refusal to comply with a valid court judgment.
The order was issued by Justice Funmilola Demi-Ajayi, who directed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to arrest the INEC boss if he fails to obey the ruling within seven days.
The case stems from INEC’s refusal to recognize the state chairmen of a political party elected under the leadership of Adekunle Rufai Omoaje. The court had earlier affirmed the legitimacy of the Omoaje-led executive and instructed INEC to publish the names of the elected officials on its official portal. The commission, however, reportedly failed to comply with the judgment.
In response, the court found both the commission and its chairman in contempt, ordering Yakubu’s arrest if the directive is not carried out. The court also imposed a fine of 100,000 naira against him for disobedience.
Justice Demi-Ajayi condemned the disregard for the rule of law and emphasized that no public official is above the law. The ruling highlights growing concerns about INEC’s compliance with court decisions and its handling of internal party affairs.
This is not the first time Professor Yakubu has faced legal threats over similar issues. Previous contempt proceedings have been initiated against him, though some were later vacated or stayed by appellate courts.
INEC has not yet commented on the latest court order.
