Judge bows to A’Court, halts arrest of INEC chair

The court had insisted, at the last adjourned date, that the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, should arrest Yakubu and produce him in court yesterday. However, at the resumed trial, the court did not go further on the matter, but rather adjourned indefinitely. Justice Pam adjourned the trial to a date that will be communicated to parties in the suit by the authorities of the Federal High Court. Although, Yakubu was ordered to appear in court personally to show reason why he should not be committed to prison for violating the court order, he was, however, represented by a legal practitioner, Samuel Omale. Omale informed Justice Pam that the ruling of the Court of Appeal which stayed the execution of the bench warrant issued against Yakubu was ready for service on parties. He subsequently served the appellate court ruling on Emmanuel Okoye, who stood for the applicants in the contempt matter. There were arguments for and against whether the trial should be adjourned indefinitely. Justice Pam adjourned to a date that would be considered by the authorities of the Federal High Court. The court expressed its reservation on the refusal of Yakubu to appear in court. During the proceedings, the judge asked counsel to INEC chairman to read to the open court, the position of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), under section 306 which the lawyer read to the effect that trial in a criminal matter shall not be stayed. The court subsequently adjourned the matter and informed the parties that a date for continuation of the trial shall be communicated to them, when the court resumes from its annual vacation in September]]>