Police release suspended Adamawa REC on bail

Suspended Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Hudu Yunusa-Ari, who is under police probe, has been granted bail.

Also allowed to go home are two Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commissioners and other officials undergoing interrogation at the Police Headquarters in connection with Adamawa Governorship Election fiasco.

Their release on administrative bail, is with conditions.

•They must deposit their travel passports; and

•Their movement is restricted within the Federal Capital Territory.

It was learnt that a senator stood surety for Yunusa-Ari after he was interrogated for three days while in custody of the police.

Inspector-General of Police Alkali Baba also personally interrogated the REC, the national commissioners and the others.

With the IG during the session, it was learnt were Deputy Inspectors-General. Yunusa-Ari, according to sources exchanged words with the INEC commissioners over the claim that he fled and was incommunicado.

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The session dwelt on allegations of bribing during the Aril 15 Supplementary election after which REC declared All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Ayisetu Dahiru Binani as governor-elect, which collation of results was going on in usurpation of the Returning Officer’s role.

It was gathered that the police restricted the suspects’ movement to enable them invite all the officials at short notice when needed.

A top source said: “Our investigators have interacted with the REC, some INEC National Commissioners and other officials undergoing interrogation. We have asked the affected officials to submit their traveling documents.

“The REC promised to drop his passport at the Force Headquarters yesterday.

“ And if it is necessary to arraign any of the officials after the conclusion of the ongoing investigation, it will be easier.”

The source added that: “In line with the law and international best practices, the police have granted bail to the REC, the National Commissioners and all officials under investigation. They have been released accordingly.

“The bail surety for the REC is a Senator.

“But all those quizzed got an advisory to limit their media visibility for unfettered investigation.”

The source said placing the REC and others on bail will not prejudice the probe.

The source added: “With the involvement of the IGP and his management team, you can determine the commitment attached to this case. Granting bail will not hamper investigation.

“There were allegations and counter-allegations on nocturnal meetings, choice dinner and bribery scandal during the elections.

“Detectives will look into this dimension of influence peddling and bribery. The scope of investigation will be widened. “

All those summoned were grilled by the Police Election Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Team unit of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB).

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday said: ”The Inspector-General of Police has given clear assurance that every individual involved/indicted in the matter will be apprehended and investigated in line with the provisions of the law for possible prosecution.

“The Inspector-General of Police has assured of the commitment of the Force to ensuring that justice is served in this case and that all guilty parties are brought to justice.”

(NATION)