The Nigerian police have apprehended the suspended Adamawa Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Hudu Yunusa-Ari, for illegally declaring Aisha Dahiru Binani as governor-elect.
The arrest was made on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, in Abuja, according to police spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi.
Adejobi revealed in a statement that the suspect is being questioned to determine the motives behind his actions during the supplementary elections in Adamawa State.
Other officials and individuals implicated in the matter are also being interrogated by the police.
“The Inspector-General of Police has given clear assurance that every individual involved/indicted in the matter will be apprehended and investigated in line with the provisions of the law for possible prosecution,” Adejobi added.
The development followed an interview in which Ari stated that he would surrender himself to the police two weeks after going into hiding. The police had issued a warrant for his arrest after he absconded.
“I am not on the run, I only wanted to avoid the embarrassment of being arrested in public,” Ari told the BBC Hausa service.
Ari’s illegal declaration of Binani as governor-elect had sparked protests in Adamawa State, with many accusing him of being biased and acting against the will of the people.
The police’s swift response to the situation has been welcomed by some Nigerians, who hope that justice will be served in the matter.
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