BREAKING: Federal Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu

A Federal High Court in Osogbo, Osun State, has ordered the immediate arrest of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the recently retired Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The order, issued on October 7, 2025, directs the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to apprehend Yakubu for contempt of court. This development comes mere hours after Yakubu stepped down from his position on October 7, 2025, marking the end of his decade-long tenure at the helm of Nigeria's electoral body.

The court's decision stems from Yakubu's alleged failure to comply with a previous judgment in a case brought by the Action Alliance political party. This incident highlights ongoing tensions between electoral authorities and political entities in Nigeria, raising questions about judicial enforcement and the integrity of democratic institutions.

Mahmood Yakubu Arrest Order: Key Details from the Court Ruling

The arrest warrant was issued by Justice Adefunmilola Demi-Ajayi of the Federal High Court in Osogbo. The suit, numbered FHC/OS/194/2024, involves the Action Alliance party challenging INEC's non-compliance with an earlier court order. According to the certified copy of the order, the court has mandated Yakubu's committal to a correctional center for disobeying the judgment delivered on February 17, 2025.

The order specifically states: "It is hereby ordered that the Inspector General of Police shall cause the arrest and shall charge the defendant/judgment debtors for contempt and committal proceedings within seven days of this ruling." Additionally, the court imposed a cost of N100,000 against the defendants in favor of the plaintiffs.

This is not the first time the court has addressed this issue. Reports indicate that a similar threat of arrest was issued earlier, with a seven-day ultimatum for compliance. However, INEC's partial adherence to the judgment prompted this renewed action.

Background of Action Alliance vs INEC Case: Why the Contempt Charge?

The core of the dispute lies in the Action Alliance party's internal leadership crisis and INEC's role in recognizing legitimate executives. The party held an elective convention on October 7, 2023, which produced Hon. Adekunle Rufai Omoaje as the National Chairman, along with other members of the National Executive Committee (NEC).

The February 17, 2025, judgment validated this convention as authentic, noting it was properly monitored by INEC officials in line with the party's constitution and the Electoral Act. The court ordered INEC to upload the names of Omoaje, other NEC members, and all state chairmen to its portal.

While INEC claims compliance, the party disputes this, pointing out that Omoaje's name remains absent from the website as of October 8, 2025. Names of state chairmen and some NEC members have been uploaded, but the omission of the national chairman's name has been deemed a direct violation, leading to the contempt charge.

The plaintiffs in the suit include the Action Alliance, Professor Julius Adebowale, Engr. Olowookere Alabi, Barr. Chinwuba Zulyke, Oladele Sunday, Simon Itokwe, and Araoye Oyewole, representing 30 state chairmen. They sought orders for committal, compliance, and costs due to financial and private injuries caused by the contempt.

Who is Mahmood Yakubu? Profile of the Former INEC Chairman

Professor Mahmood Yakubu, born in 1962 in Bauchi State, Nigeria, is a distinguished academic and public servant. He holds a first-class degree in history from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, a master's in international relations from the University of Cambridge, and a doctorate in Nigerian history from the University of Oxford.

Before his INEC role, Yakubu served as a lecturer at the Nigerian Defence Academy, executive secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, and assistant secretary at the 2014 National Conference. Appointed INEC Chairman by President Muhammadu Buhari on November 9, 2015, he oversaw major elections, including the 2019 and 2023 general elections.

His tenure was marked by efforts to modernize electoral processes, such as introducing biometric voter verification. However, it was not without criticism, including allegations of irregularities in past polls. Yakubu stepped down on October 7, 2025, with Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu assuming acting chairmanship.

This arrest order adds a controversial chapter to his legacy, potentially tarnishing his reputation as a reformer.

Implications of Mahmood Yakubu's Arrest Warrant on Nigerian Politics

The court's order has far-reaching implications for Nigeria's democracy. It signals a stronger judicial stance on enforcing orders against public officials, even high-profile ones like former electoral chiefs. Legal experts argue this could deter future non-compliance, strengthening rule of law.

For INEC, the incident exposes vulnerabilities in handling party disputes. With Agbamuche-Mbu now in charge, the commission must swiftly address the outstanding issues to avoid further legal entanglements.

Politically, the Action Alliance's victory could embolden other parties facing similar recognition issues. Nigeria has over 18 registered parties, many grappling with internal factions, and this precedent might lead to more litigation.

Public reaction has been mixed. Some view it as justice served, while others see it as politically motivated, especially given the timing post-Yakubu's exit. Social media is abuzz with debates on electoral integrity.

Moreover, this event occurs amid broader concerns about Nigeria's electoral system. The 2023 elections faced scrutiny over transparency, and unresolved cases like this could erode public trust ahead of future polls.

What Happens Next in the Mahmood Yakubu Contempt Case?

The Inspector General has seven days from October 7, 2025, to execute the arrest. Yakubu could seek a stay or appeal, but non-compliance risks escalation. INEC might fully update its portal to mitigate, though the contempt charge targets Yakubu personally as the second defendant.

Observers watch closely, as this could set standards for accountability in public service.

In conclusion, this arrest order for Mahmood Yakubu marks a pivotal moment in Nigerian jurisprudence and politics. It reminds all officials that no one is above the law, potentially fostering a more compliant and transparent electoral environment.