Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Federal High Court in Osogbo, Osun State, has ordered the arrest of the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, for contempt of court.
Justice Funmilola Demi-Ajayi issued the order on Wednesday, just hours after Yakubu vacated office, directing Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to ensure his arrest within seven days.
The order stems from INEC’s alleged refusal to fully comply with a 2024 judgment recognising Adekunle Rufai Omoaje as the authentic National Chairman of the Action Alliance (AA). The court said INEC failed to upload Omoaje’s name on its website despite claiming compliance.
“It is hereby ordered that the Inspector General of Police shall cause the arrest and shall charge the defendants for contempt and committal proceedings within seven days,” read the directive signed by Court Registrar O.M. Kilani.
The court reaffirmed that the party’s elective convention of October 7, 2023, which produced Omoaje and other National Executive Committee (NEC) members, was validly conducted under INEC supervision.
In addition to the arrest order, Justice Demi-Ajayi awarded a cost of ₦100,000 against the defendants, warning that further disobedience would attract tougher penalties.
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