A Federal High Court has directed the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to arrest the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, over allegations of contempt. The order came after claims that the INEC boss failed to comply with a previous ruling of the court. This development has stirred mixed reactions across political and legal circles.
According to reports, the court emphasized that no public office holder is above the law and that obedience to judicial pronouncements is necessary to protect the integrity of the justice system. The directive to the IGP is seen as a strong message on accountability and respect for the rule of law, especially from an institution as critical as INEC.
The matter has attracted wide attention as stakeholders and analysts question the implications for Nigeria’s electoral credibility. While some insist that Prof. Yakubu must face the law like every citizen, others argue that the arrest could trigger political tension. The coming days will reveal how the IGP responds and what steps INEC will take in defense of its Chairman.