A Federal High Court in Osogbo, Osun State, has ordered the arrest and committal to prison of former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, for allegedly disobeying a subsisting judgment of the court.
In a ruling delivered on Monday, 29 September 2025, Justice Adefunmilola Demi-Ajayi held that INEC and its then-chairman failed to comply with a February 17, 2025 judgment directing the commission to relist on its portal the national and state officers of the Action Alliance (AA) loyal to the faction led by Hon. Adekunle Rufai Omoaje.
Acting on a motion brought by the party and several of its officials (suit no. FHC/OS/CS/194/2024), the court granted orders seeking committal for contempt, compliance with the earlier judgment, and costs. The certified copy of the order indicates the court directed the Inspector-General of Police to “cause the arrest” of the defendants/judgment debtors for contempt and committal proceedings within seven days of the ruling. The court also awarded costs of ₦100,000 against INEC and Yakubu in favour of the plaintiffs/judgment creditors.
The originating dispute centers on AA’s claim that INEC “illegally” removed from its state portal the names of officers elected under the Omoaje-led National Executive Committee (NEC). The February judgment had ordered restoration of those names and respect for judgments in favour of the Omoaje NEC.
Monday’s contempt ruling came a day before Prof. Yakubu stepped down as INEC chairman upon the conclusion of his tenure. On Tuesday, he handed over to National Commissioner Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who is now serving as acting chair pending the appointment of a substantive head of the commission.
It was not immediately clear whether INEC or Yakubu would appeal the contempt order or seek a stay of execution. The police had not publicly confirmed any enforcement steps at the time of this report.
The plaintiffs in the suit include the Action Alliance; Prof. Julius Adebowale; Engr. Olowookere Alabi; Barr. Chinwuba Zulyke; Oladele Sunday; Simon Itokwe; and Araoye Oyewole, suing for themselves and on behalf of 30 state chairmen. INEC and Prof. Yakubu are listed as first and second defendants, respectively.
The order adds a fresh legal complication to a period of transition at the electoral umpire, which is also preparing for off-cycle polls and early activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
