Court Orders Arrest of Ex-INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu Over Alleged Contempt — But What Really Happened?
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

Confusion Trails Court Order Against Former INEC Chairman

A Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State, has reportedly ordered the arrest of former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, over alleged contempt of court — a development that has sparked intense debate across Nigeria’s political and online circles, especially on platforms like ₦airaland Forum.

According to multiple reports, including Daily Post, the order came shortly after Yakubu’s exit from office. The case was initiated by the Action Alliance (AA), which accused INEC of disobeying a 2024 judgment compelling it to recognise Adekunle Rufai Omoaje as the authentic National Chairman of the party and to upload the names of its National Executive Committee (NEC) members on the commission’s official portal.

Justice Funmilola Demi-Ajayi, who presided over the matter (Suit No. FHC/OS/CS/194/2024), had earlier ruled in favour of AA, affirming the legality of its convention held in October 2023. However, the party argued that INEC failed to fully comply with the judgment — as Omoaje’s name was allegedly missing from the updated list of party executives.

The new ruling, dated 7th October 2025, and signed by court registrar O.M. Kilani, reportedly instructed the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure the arrest of the defendants for contempt proceedings within seven days.

Fact-Check: Was Mahmood Yakubu Personally Ordered to Be Arrested?

As the report gained traction online, a wave of fact-checking and counterclaims followed. A user identified as abc115 on ₦airaland, citing a clarification reportedly issued by judicial sources, stated that the court did not, in fact, order the arrest of Professor Yakubu personally, but rather directed enforcement measures against INEC as an institution.

According to this version, the alleged “arrest order” was misrepresented by some media outlets. The Federal High Court’s decision, the clarification said, merely mandated the IGP to ensure INEC’s compliance with the previous ruling — not to detain any individual official.

This revelation has stirred broader discussions about media accuracy, judicial interpretation, and the rising trend of sensational reporting in Nigeria’s political coverage.

Public Reactions: Divided Opinions Across Nigeria

Reactions from Nigerians have been predictably polarised. On ₦airaland, many users expressed frustration and distrust towards the electoral process, linking the development to alleged irregularities during the 2023 general elections.

One commenter wrote, “This is good news because the election was taken away from Peter Obi and given to Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Others dismissed the reports as political theatre. “If I hear say dem arrest am… remember Orwell’s quote — all animals are equal, but some are more equal than others,” one user quipped, while another remarked, “You guys won’t even let him enjoy his retirement.”

A few commentators took a pragmatic stance, noting that Yakubu’s tenure was already over and that the legal responsibility for INEC’s compliance now lies with the acting leadership of the commission.

Legal and Political Implications

Analysts believe the controversy underscores persistent institutional tension between Nigeria’s electoral body and political parties over internal democracy and court compliance.

While the Action Alliance insists on full adherence to judicial directives, the mixed reporting on the court’s latest decision has also renewed calls for responsible journalism and transparent court communication.

Observers told Akahi News that the situation could set an important precedent on how electoral institutions are held accountable for contempt-related rulings, especially in post-election periods.

At the time of filing this report, neither Professor Mahmood Yakubu nor INEC had issued a public statement addressing the arrest order controversy. The Inspector General of Police has also not confirmed any action taken pursuant to the alleged order.

As confusion lingers, Nigerians continue to await clear judicial clarification on whether the court truly intended to sanction Yakubu personally or merely compel INEC’s compliance.

Whatever the outcome, the case highlights once again the fragile trust between the public and Nigeria’s democratic institutions, and the urgent need for accuracy and accountability in reporting judicial matters.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Akahi News — http://www.akahinews.org