Hudu Ari: INEC REC arrested for declaring illegal result in Adamawa reportedly reappears in Mecca

The suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, has been reported spotted observing hajj in Mecca.

The pilgrimage, which is expected to be the largest hajj, began in June in Saudi Arabia with the tawaf, the circling of the Kaaba.

Recall that Yunusa-Ari was suspended after the supplementary election in Adamawa on April 15, 2023, for announcing Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the poll while the collation of results was ongoing.

After his suspension, disappearance and subsequent arrest, the matter appeared to have fizzled out until recently ashe surfaced at the Holy Ground in Mecca.

Hudu Ari: INEC REC arrested for declaring illegal result in Adamawa reportedly reappears in Mecca

A photo making the rounds on social media shows the suspended INEC official moments before he performed Umrah rituals.

Meanwhile, INEC National Commissioner, Festus Okoye during an interview on Channels Television’s programme, said the commission will “soon” take action on the case.

According to Okoye, the police have concluded investigations on the matter and the electoral umpire has enough proof to establish a case against Yunusa-Ari.

He said; “I am aware that the police have concluded investigations and I am aware that in the next few weeks, Nigerians will be informed of what will happen.

“Under the law, it is the responsibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission to prosecute him (Ari) if a prima facie case has made out against him.”

Okoye added; “There has been some level of interface between the Nigeria Police Force and the Independent National Electoral Commission and the commission was involved in some of the processes leading to the investigation. Very soon, the commission will take action relating to the Adamawa REC.”