A Federal High Court in Abuja has informed the National Rescue Movement that it can serve court documents on Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, through someone else.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu issued the verdict on Tuesday.
He stated that the paperwork, including Form 48 (which advises against violating a court order), should be sent to any INEC staff member at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
He ordered that the name of the person receiving the documents be put in an affidavit and filed in court.
This decision came in response to a request from NRM’s lawyer, Oladimeji Ekengba, who said INEC and Yakubu violated a court order issued on March 5.
That order had urged them to recognise the results of the party’s emergency convention on January 17, which elected Chief Edozie Njoku National Chairman.
Ekengba stated that it had become practically hard to serve the INEC chairman directly.
This decision came in response to a request from NRM’s lawyer, Oladimeji Ekengba, who said INEC and Yakubu violated a court order issued on March 5.
That order had urged them to recognise the results of the party’s emergency convention on January 17, which elected Chief Edozie Njoku National Chairman.
Ekengba stated that it had become practically hard to serve the INEC chairman directly.
“The judgement debtor/respondent’s chairman has implemented numerous protocols, making it practically impossible for the bailiff to serve him personally,” Ekengba told the court.
He further stated that INEC only accepts legal paperwork at a specific registry near the Abuja headquarters gates.
Earlier, NRM lawyer Joe Agi wrote to Yakubu, reminding him that the court had already ordered INEC to acknowledge the new party leadership.
On January 16, Justice Emeka Nwite directed INEC to monitor and accept the January 17 Convention.
However, when INEC did not comply, the parties returned to court, which resulted in the current contempt proceeding.
Justice Egwuatu adjourned the case till July 15.
