The suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa state, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, who is under police probe, has been granted bail.
Two of the commissioners and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) undergoing interrogation at the police headquarters in connection with the Adamawa governorship election fiasco were also released.
They were released on administrative bail, and they must deposit their travel passports.
Also, their movement is restricted within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
A source, while confirming the development on Friday, May 5, said that the police restricted the suspects’ movement to enable them to invite all the officials at short notice when needed.
He said that, “Our investigators have interacted with the REC, some INEC national commissioners and other officials undergoing interrogation.
“We have asked the affected officials to submit their travelling documents.
“The REC promised to drop his passport at the force headquarters yesterday.
“And if it is necessary to arraign any of the officials after the conclusion of the ongoing investigation, it will be easier.
“In line with the law and international best practices, the police have granted bail to the REC, the national commissioners and all officials under investigation.
“They have been released accordingly. The bail surety for the REC is a senator.
“But all those quizzed got an advisory to limit their media visibility for unfettered investigation,” he added.
The source further noted that placing the REC and others on bail will not prejudice the probe.
He stated that, “With the involvement of the IGP and his management team, you can determine the commitment attached to this case.
“Granting bail will not hamper the investigation.
“There were allegations and counter-allegations on nocturnal meetings, choice dinner and bribery scandal during the elections.
“Detectives will look into this dimension of influence peddling and bribery. The scope of investigation will be widened.”
Meanwhile, all those summoned were grilled by the Police Election Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Team unit of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB).
Recall that Yunusa-Ari stirred controversy by declaring Aisha Dahiru of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner when the collation of the results was yet to be completed.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the announcement null and void and summoned the REC to its headquarters in Abuja.
Subsequently, the electoral umpire wrote to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to prosecute Yunusa-Ari over the electoral infraction.
Also, President Muhammadu Buhari approved the suspension of the Adamawa REC pending the completion of an investigation by the police.
The electoral umpire, on April 21, said that it was not aware of the whereabouts of Yunusa-Ari.
However, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), on May 2, arrested the suspended REC over his conduct during the governorship election in Adamawa state.
Comments