A Federal High Court in Osogbo, Osun State, has mandated the arrest and incarceration of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the immediate former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for contempt of court.
Justice Adefunmilola Demi-Ajayi issued the directive on Monday, September 29, 2025, just before Yakubu’s official departure from his role. The court found that the ex-INEC chairman disregarded a prior ruling that required the reinstatement of the national officers of the Action Alliance (AA) party on the Commission’s official website.
The legal action, referenced as FHC/OS/194/2024, was initiated by the Action Alliance alongside several of its state chairpersons, led by Hon. Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, targeting INEC and Yakubu.
The plaintiffs contended that INEC unlawfully removed the Omoaje-led National Executive’s names from its platform, despite an existing court order affirming their leadership status.
The certified judgment excerpt states: “The 1st Defendant (INEC) and the 2nd Defendant (Prof. Mahmood Yakubu) are hereby remanded to the Correctional Centre (formerly Prison) for defying the judgment and orders of the Federal High Court, Osogbo, Osun State, in Suit No. FHC/OS/CS/194/2024 delivered on the 17th of February 2025.”
Furthermore, the court instructed the Inspector General of Police to promptly arrest the individuals found in contempt and initiate committal proceedings within seven days following the ruling.
“The Inspector General of Police shall ensure the arrest and charge the Defendants/Judgment Debtors for contempt and commence committal proceedings within seven days of this judgment,” the order specified.
In addition, the court imposed a fine of ₦100,000 on INEC and Yakubu, payable to the plaintiffs, as compensation for damages caused by the contemptuous actions.
The plaintiffs comprise the Action Alliance, Professor Julius Adebowale, Engineer Olowookere Alabi, Barrister Chinwuba Zulyke, Oladele Sunday, Simon Itokwe, and Araoye Oyewole, representing themselves and 30 other state chairpersons of the party.
On a related note, Professor Yakubu formally vacated his position as INEC Chairman on Tuesday, with Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, a National Commissioner, stepping in as the Acting Chairman of the electoral commission.
