Abuja, Nigeria – June 20, 2025 — The Federal High Court in Abuja has formally served Professor Yakubu Mahmood, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), with a copy of contempt proceedings initiated against him by the National Rescue Mission (NRM). The service was carried out by court bailiff Ayuba Sule at INEC’s National Headquarters in Abuja, following an order from Justice Obiora Egwuatu issued on June 17.
Court Serves INEC Chairman with Contempt Process via Alternative Means
The service involved handing over Form 48, a legal notice outlining penalties for non-compliance with court orders, to INEC officials at the commission’s headquarters. The court had authorized alternative methods for serving the process, allowing the bailiff to deliver the documents to any INEC personnel.
Details of the Service and INEC’s Response
According to a statement from the NRM’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Anselem Chinedu Nebeife, authorities at INEC headquarters initially declined to accept the court documents. The bailiff then left the documents at the INEC legal department after an exchange with staff.
“Mr. Ayuba Sule first approached the INEC Chairman’s office, but staff requested identification, which he provided. After reading the document, they returned it and directed him to the legal department. At the legal department, further drama ensued, with INEC staff quickly scanning and returning the documents. Frustrated, the bailiff dropped the court order and Form 48 in front of the legal department and left,” the statement explained.
Court Orders and the Reason for Alternative Service
Justice Egwuatu, after hearing an ex parte motion from the NRM, ordered substituted service of the court documents on INEC Chairman Prof. Yakubu Mahmood. The motion was based on allegations that INEC and its leadership had ignored a previous court order mandating acceptance of the outcome of an emergency party convention.
Background of the Contempt Proceedings
The NRM claims that INEC officials refused to comply with a March 5th court order mandating them to recognize the results of the January 17 emergency convention, which aimed to fill vacancies in the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC). The court documents reveal that INEC was aware of the court ruling but continued to delay compliance.
Legal Arguments and Next Court Date
Counsel for the NRM, Mr. Oladimeji Ekengba, argued that serving the court process directly to Prof. Mahmood was impractical due to security protocols and INEC’s strict visitation procedures. Therefore, the court authorized alternative service to ensure the process was properly delivered.
The case has been adjourned until July 15, 2025, for further proceedings.
Implications of the Contempt Case Against INEC Chairman
This development marks a significant legal challenge for INEC’s leadership amid ongoing electoral disputes and internal party disagreements. The court’s handling of this contempt proceeding underscores the importance of judicial compliance and transparency in Nigeria’s electoral process.
