Hudu Yunusa Ari, the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), has fled to Niger Republic, the Adamawa State High Court was informed on Wednesday.
Ari was suspended during the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari for prematurely declaring Aishatu Binani, the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, the winner of the Adamawa Gubernatorial election.
Following Buhari’s order, the Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of the Department of State Services, and Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were tasked with investigating the case.
However, Ari reportedly went into hiding before writing a letter to the police.
During Wednesday’s court proceedings, presided over by Justice Benjamin Manji Lawan, Ari’s lawyer, Dr. Suleiman Usman (SAN), informed the court that he knew his client’s whereabouts.
Usman stated that Hudu has two wives, one residing in Bauchi State, Nigeria, and the other in Niger Republic.
He claimed that the defendant is currently with his wife in Niger Republic and expressed willingness to accept service on his behalf.
The court, however, rejected Usman’s request.
Usman, alongside Abel Oziokor Esq, promised to produce Hudu in court and requested an adjournment to facilitate his appearance.
Counsel to the prosecution, O. A. Atolabi, appearing alongside F. T. Ekyaan, applied for a warrant of arrest against Hudu.
The judge declined the request, noting that Hudu’s counsel had appeared and assured the court of his presence at the adjourned date.
The case has been adjourned to Wednesday, December 6, 2023, for arraignment.
