Yola, Adamawa State – In a significant legal development, the High Court in Yola dismissed Hudu Yunusa-Ari’s application to halt ongoing criminal proceedings.
Judge Benjamin Manji delivered the ruling, rejecting Yunusa-Ari’s plea to indefinitely stay the case while awaiting an appeal’s outcome.
The appeal, heard on January 21, challenges the trial court’s jurisdiction and raises serious allegations of bias.
Hudu Yunusa-Ari’s counsel, M. K. Tijjani, invoked Order 4 Rule 11(1) of the Court of Appeal Rules, arguing for an indefinite adjournment.
However, Adamawa state’s counsel, L. D. Nzadon, opposed the application, asserting that the cited cases were irrelevant to the criminal trial.
Nzadon emphasized that the nature of this case required it to proceed without unnecessary delays or interruptions.
In his ruling, Judge Manji underscored that the discretion to stay proceedings must always be exercised judiciously and cautiously.
He pointed out that the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) explicitly prohibits halting criminal trials, ensuring judicial integrity.
This ruling follows a controversial incident in April 2023, when Yunusa-Ari prematurely declared Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru the winner of the governorship election.
Despite incomplete results, INEC nullified the declaration and summoned Yunusa-Ari to its headquarters in Abuja for further questioning.
Following this, the commission referred the matter to the police for prosecution.
On April 20, former President Muhammadu Buhari approved the suspension of Yunusa-Ari pending the completion of the police investigation.
Subsequently, on July 6, INEC filed a six-count charge against him before the Yola High Court.
As the case unfolds, it continues to draw significant public attention, highlighting the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding electoral processes in Nigeria.
The court’s decision to proceed with the trial underscores the judiciary’s role in ensuring accountability in the electoral system.