Court Orders Arrest of Former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu

A Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State, has ordered the arrest and committal of Professor Mahmood Yakubu for contempt of court, following his alleged refusal to obey an earlier judgment.

Justice Adefunmilola Demi-Ajayi issued the order on Monday, September 29, 2025, in a case brought by the Action Alliance and several of its officials.

The plaintiffs said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its then chairman failed to comply with a subsisting judgment directing the commission to restore, on its portal, the national and state officers of the party led by Hon. Adekunle Rufai Omoaje.

The court noted that its original judgment in Suit No. FHC/OS/CS/194/2024 was delivered on February 17, 2025. After a Motion on Notice filed on May 14, 2025, the judge held that INEC and Prof. Yakubu, listed as 1st and 2nd defendants,were in contempt for not implementing the orders.

Justice Demi-Ajayi therefore directed the Inspector-General of Police to effect the arrest of the defendants and commence committal proceedings within seven days of the ruling.

The court also awarded costs of ₦100,000 against the defendants in favour of the plaintiffs. The suit lists the Action Alliance and seven officials, Prof. Julius Adebowale, Engr. Olowookere Alabi, Barr. Chinwuba Zulyke, Oladele Sunday, Simon Itokwe and Araoye Oyewole,suing for themselves and on behalf of 30 other state chairmen. INEC and Prof. Yakubu are the defendants.

The order came shortly before Prof. Yakubu stepped down as INEC chairman. He has since handed over to the most senior national commissioner, Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu, who is serving in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive chair.