Police Arrests Suspended Adamawa REC, Hudu Ari
Vondigest reports that the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa Ari, has reportedly been arrested and taken into police custody.
This online platform recalls that Ari found himself at the centre of a controversy after the supplementary election in Adamawa on April 15, 2023, when he declared Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the dramatic poll while collation of results was still ongoing.
This led to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nullifying Ari’s decision and suspending him. At the same time, President Muhammad Buhari ordered a full investigation into the electoral commissioner and the security personnel present at the time of the declaration.
Following this, INEC concluded the election and announced Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the authentic winner of the poll. Security agencies were subsequently ordered to arrest and prosecute the embattled REC, whose whereabouts have been unknown for over two weeks since the controversy began.
However, a police source confirmed on Tuesday that Ari is now in police custody.
This confirmation was received through a telephone conversation with the police source, Channels Television reports.
Police confirms the arrest:
ADAMAWA POLLS: INEC REC IN POLICE CUSTODY AS INVESTIGATIONS CONTINUE
Other Fingered Officials Under Interrogation
The Nigeria Police Force hereby confirms the arrest of Barr. Hudu Yunusa-Ari, the Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), who was alleged to have… pic.twitter.com/FEvqvBANij
— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) May 2, 2023