The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Garki has dismissed the allegations of false assets declaration against the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Yakubu Mahmood.
The Presiding Judge, Justice Hassan held that Mahmood’s asset declaration was lawful, valid and in compliance with the law, and thereby prohibited the DSS, the Nigeria Police (NPF), and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) from looking into his legal asset declaration and also from arresting him.
The ruling followed an originating summons marked FCT/HC/GAR/CV/47/2022 by Somadina Uzoabaka against the Attorney-General of the Federation and the INEC Chairman.
The plaintiff is seeking, among others, 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 INEC pending the investigation and consideration of the various allegations against him by the various law enforcement agencies.
He also sought an order of court stopping Mahmood from holding or assuming any public office for 10 years.
In his response to the allegations, the INEC Chairman gave the court several exhibits to show the sources of money for the purchase of the properties that the plaintiff alleged he illegally acquired, and insisted that his assets declaration was legitimately completed.
