Suspended Adamawa REC, Hudu Yunusa Ari Granted Bail From Police Detention

The suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, has been granted bail from police detention in Abuja.

KanyiDaily recalls that Hudu Yunusa Ari was arrested over the illegal declaration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Aisha Dahiru Binani, as winner of the Adamawa governorship election.

Ari, who was grilled for three days in Police custody, was granted bail alongside two Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commissioners and other officials undergoing interrogation at the Police Headquarters in connection with the Adamawa Governorship Election fiasco.

It was gathered that their release on administrative bail came with some conditions which include depositing their passports and restricting their movement within the Federal Capital Territory.

According to The Nation, a senator stood surety for Yunusa-Ari after he was interrogated for three days by the Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Baba.

A source said during the interrogation, Yunusa-Ari exchanged words with the INEC commissioners over the claim that he fled and was incommunicado.

The session dwelt on allegations of bribing during the April 15 Supplementary election after which Ari declared Binani as governor-elect, which collation of results was going on in usurpation of the Returning Officer’s role.

A top source said the police restricted the suspects’ movement to enable them to invite all the officials at short notice when needed.

The source said: “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 traveling 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.”

The source said placing the REC and others on bail will not prejudice the probe.

The source added: “With the involvement of the IGP and his management team, you can determine the commitment attached to this case. Granting bail will not hamper 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. “

KanyiDaily had reported how Hudu Yunusa illegally declared Aisha Dahiru Binani as the winner of Saturday’s supplementary election in Adamawa state.