The suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari, who went into hiding after the failed electoral heist in Adamawa State, has reportedly escaped to Niger Republic.
Recall that Ari was suspended under the administration of president Muhammadu Buhari, following his outrageous behavior in declaring the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Senator Aishatu Binani, the winner of the Adamawa gubernatorial election while the process was still ongoing.
Buhari directed the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, and the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to conduct an investigation into the matter.
Following the directive of the president, Barrister Ari went into hiding before penning down a letter to the police.
However, during the court sitting Wednesday which was presided by Hon. Justice Benjamin Manji Lawan, Ari’s lawyer, Dr. Suleiman Usman (SAN) reportedly told the court that he knows the whereabouts of his client.
Usman told the judge that Ari has two wives; one of them resides in Bauchi State in Nigeria, while the other one lives in Niger Republic respectively.
He therefore noted that the defendant is presently with the other wife in Niger Republic, adding that he is ready to collect the service on behalf of his client.
However contrary to this, the court vehemently refused the process while explaining that the defendant must be served personally.
Based on this the lawyer who appeared alongside Abel Oziokor Esq, promised to produce Ari in court.
He also pleaded with the court to grant them adjournment to enable them produce him.
Prior to this, Counsel to the prosecution, O. A. Atolabi appearing alongside F. T. Ekyaan, brought an application asking the court to issue a warrant of arrest against the embattled electoral officer.
While responding to the request, the judge said there was no need to issue a warrant of arrest since Hudu’s counsels have appeared and equally assured the court that they will produce him at the adjourned date and the matter was adjourned to Wednesday 6th December, 2023, for arraignment.