In a stunning legal twist, a Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the arrest of former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, over allegations of contempt of court.
The court’s decision, delivered earlier today, has sent shockwaves across Nigeria’s political landscape, given Yakubu’s central role in overseeing the 2023 general elections.
According to reports, the arrest order stems from Yakubu’s alleged refusal to comply with an earlier court directive, the details of which remain under judicial review. The court emphasized that no individual, regardless of status or position, is above the law.
“This court will not tolerate willful disobedience to its orders. The rule of law must prevail,” the presiding judge reportedly declared.
Legal analysts say the development could open a new chapter of scrutiny around INEC’s leadership and its handling of post-election disputes.
Meanwhile, the INEC office has yet to issue an official response to the ruling, but sources suggest that the commission’s legal team may move to appeal the decision in the coming days.
The case is expected to resume later this month as the court continues proceedings on the matter.