Omobolanle Shosanya
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory,Wednesday quashed the allegations of fabricated false assets declaration against the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu.
It also barred security agencies from investigating him over his valid assets declaration.
In an originating summons marked FCT/HC/GAR/CV/47/2022 by Somadina Uzoabaka versus the Attorney General of the Federation and the Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the claimant sought among other things an order of mandatory injunction directing and compelling the INEC Chairman to recuse, excuse and exclude himself and or step down as the chairman of the commission pending the investigation and consideration of the various allegations against him by the various law enforcement agencies.
He also sought an order of court barring the INEC chairman from holding or assuming any public office for a period of 10 years.
Prof Yakubu, who punctured the claimant’s position in a counter-affidavit,furnished the court with exhibits to show the sources of money for the purchase of the properties which the claimant alleged were illegally acquired and insisted that his assets declarations were validly done.
In his verdict,Justice M. A. Hassan found that the declaration of assets by Prof. Yakubu was lawful, valid and in compliance with the law and that he cannot be investigated by any of the security agencies listed by the Claimant that should all investigate him.
He declined to grant any of the 14 prayers of the claimant and declared that the INEC chairman cannot be removed over fabricated allegations of false assets declaration.
He dismissed the claims of the claimant and allowed the counter-claim of the INEC chairman.
