In breaking news, the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, who was under police investigation, has been granted bail.
Yunusa-Ari was detained for three days by the police, and a senator stood as surety for him.
According to reports, two other commissioners and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were also released on administrative bail, but they must deposit their travel passports, and their movement is restricted within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The police have been investigating allegations of bribery during the April 15 Supplementary election, after which the REC declared All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Ayisetu Dahiru Binani as governor-elect while the collation of results was still ongoing.
During the interrogation, Yunusa-Ari reportedly had a heated exchange with the INEC commissioners over claims that he fled and was incommunicado. The Inspector-General of Police Alkali Baba personally interrogated the REC, national commissioners, and other officials.
A top police source said, “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 source added, “But all those quizzed got an advisory to limit their media visibility for unfettered investigation.” The source also said that placing the REC and others on bail would not prejudice the ongoing probe.
This latest development will be welcomed by many, as it shows that due process is being followed, and those under investigation are being treated fairly.
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