Court orders arrest of ex-INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu for contempt
By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
A Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State, has ordered the arrest and imprisonment of the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, for contempt of court.
Justice Adefunmilola Demi-Ajayi issued the order on Monday, September 29, 2025, after ruling that Yakubu and the electoral body had disobeyed a prior court judgement mandating the relisting of national officers of the Action Alliance political party on INEC’s website.
The court ruled in favour of a suit filed by members of the Hon. Adekunle Rufai Omoaje-led executive of the Action Alliance.
The plaintiffs alleged that INEC unlawfully removed the names of 30 state chairmen aligned with their faction from its official portal.
In suit number FHC/OS/194/2024, the plaintiffs — Action Alliance, Professor Julius Adebowale, Engr. Olowookere Alabi, Barr. Chinwuba Zulyke, Oladele Sunday, Simon Itokwe, and Araoye Oyewole — sought an order compelling INEC and Professor Yakubu to reinstate their names and respect previous court judgments recognising their leadership.
The court granted the request and further ordered the Inspector General of Police to arrest and initiate contempt proceedings against the defendants within seven days.
Justice Demi-Ajayi also imposed a cost of ₦100,000 against INEC and Professor Yakubu, ruling it be paid to the plaintiffs for injuries suffered due to the acts of contempt.
The order was issued just before Professor Yakubu stepped down from his role as INEC Chairman on Tuesday, having completed his tenure.
He has been succeeded in acting capacity by Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu.
This latest development marks a legal and reputational setback for Yakubu, who had overseen Nigeria’s electoral body for two full terms.