By John Umeh
Justice Adefunmilola Demi-Ajayi of the Federal High Court, Osogbo Division, has issued an order for the arrest and committal of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), over contempt of court.
The ruling, delivered on Monday, September 29, 2025, came just before Yakubu officially stepped down from office after completing his tenure. The court found that Yakubu, alongside INEC, failed to comply with an earlier judgment directing the reinstatement of the Rufai Omoaje-led National Executive of the Action Alliance (AA) on the commission’s website.
The Action Alliance, in suit number FHC/OS/194/2024, had challenged the removal of its officers from INEC’s portal and sought enforcement of the February 17, 2025 judgment that ordered their reinstatement. The court agreed, holding Yakubu and INEC in contempt for refusing to obey.
In its ruling, the court stated:
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That the Inspector General of Police must ensure the arrest and arraignment of Professor Yakubu and INEC within seven days for contempt proceedings.
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That the names of the Omoaje-led executives be restored on the INEC portal without further delay.
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That costs of ₦100,000 be awarded against Yakubu and INEC in favor of the plaintiffs.
The plaintiffs in the case include the Action Alliance, Professor Julius Adebowale, Engr. Olowookere Alabi, Barr. Chinwuba Zulyke, and several state chairmen of the party.
Meanwhile, Professor Yakubu bowed out of office as INEC Chairman on Tuesday, with Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu stepping in as acting chair of the electoral commission.
