A Federal High Court in Osogbo, Osun State, has ordered the arrest and imprisonment of former INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu for contempt of court. The order follows his failure to restore the names of Action Alliance’s national executives on the INEC portal, as previously directed by the court.
Justice Adefunmilola Demi-Ajayi gave the directive, insisting that both INEC and Yakubu must comply with a February 2025 judgment ordering the re-upload of those names. Yakubu left office recently after completing his tenure.
The court’s order commands the Inspector General of Police to arrest both INEC (as institution) and Yakubu (personally) within seven days, and to initiate committal proceedings for contempt. A cost of ₦100,000 was also imposed against the defendants.
The suit, filed by Action Alliance, contended that the names of its duly elected national officials were unlawfully removed from INEC’s portal, violating a prior court ruling. The plaintiffs assert that the removal was unconstitutional and requested court enforcement.
The ruling underscores a reaffirmation of judicial authority, especially in enforcing compliance from powerful state institutions and individuals, even after the occupant has exited formal office.
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