•••DISMISSES PRAYER REQUESTING HIM TO STEP DOWN
A Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped the Department of State Services and the Police from investigating the Chairman of the Indepndent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu.
Justice M. A. Hassan of the High Court sitting in Garki dismissed the allegations of false asset declaration against Yakubu.
The court also prevented the security agencies from investigating the INEC Chairman over the issues of his declaration of assets.
The plaintiff Somadina Uzoabaka
In the Originating Summons, FCT/HC/GAR/CV/47/2022 against the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, sought an order of mandatory injunction to compel the INEC Chairman “to recuse, excuse and exclude himself and or step down as the Chairman of INEC pending the investigation and consideration of the various allegations against him by the various law enforcement agencies.”
The plaintiff also sought the relief of the court for an order to stop the INEC Chairman from holding or assuming any public office for a period of 10 years.
In his defence, Prof. Yakubu, provided evidence to show that his assets were validly declared.
He also showed the sources of money for the purchase of the properties which the plaintiff alleged were illegally acquired.
The presiding Justice M. A. Hassan ruled that Yakubu’s assets declaration was valid and in adherence to the law.
The judge held therefore that he cannot be investigated by the listed security agencies for assets declaration.
The judge dismissed the prayers of the claimant and ruled that the Chairman of INEC cannot be removed because of such allegations of asset declaration.
