According to emerging reports, the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, who is currently under police investigation, has been granted bail.
POLITICS NIGERIA learnt that two commissioners and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) who were being interrogated at the Police Headquarters in connection with the Adamawa Governorship Election catastrophe have also been released on administrative bail, although with conditions.
While there are restrictions on their movement, including depositing their travel passports and remaining within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), it is believed that granting bail to the suspects will not prejudice the ongoing investigation.
A senator reportedly stood as a surety for Yunusa-Ari after he had been interrogated for three days while in police custody.
The Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Baba, personally interrogated the REC, national commissioners, and others, this newspaper understands.
During the session, which included Deputy Inspectors-General, sources indicate that Yunusa-Ari exchanged words with the INEC commissioners over the claim that he fled and was incommunicado.
The session focused on allegations of bribery during the April 15 Supplementary election, in which the REC declared All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Ayisetu Dahiru Binani as the governor-elect, usurping the role of the Returning Officer who was still collating results at the time.
A source said, “Our investigators have interacted with the REC, some INEC National Commissioners and other officials undergoing interrogation. We have asked the affected officials to submit their travelling documents.
“The REC promised to drop his passport at the Force Headquarters yesterday.
“ And if it is necessary to arraign any of the officials after the conclusion of the ongoing investigation, it will be easier.”
The source added, “In line with the law and international best practices, the police have granted bail to the REC, the National Commissioners and all officials under investigation. They have been released accordingly.
“The bail surety for the REC is a Senator.
“But all those quizzed got an advisory to limit their media visibility for unfettered investigation.”
“With the involvement of the IGP and his management team, you can determine the commitment attached to this case. Granting bail will not hamper the investigation.
“There were allegations and counter-allegations on nocturnal meetings, choice dinner and bribery scandal during the elections.
“Detectives will look into this dimension of influence peddling and bribery. The scope of investigation will be widened. “
Reports suggest that the police have restricted the movement of the suspects to enable them to be available for questioning at short notice.
The Police Election Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Team unit of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) is reportedly in charge of the investigation.
