ABUJA, Nigeria –
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered substituted service of Form 48 contempt charges on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, following accusations of disobedience to a valid court judgment.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who presided over the case, granted the order on Tuesday, directing that the contempt notice be delivered to any staff at INEC’s National Headquarters in Abuja, instead of personally serving the Chairman.
NAIJABLOGDAILY.COM
The ruling followed an ex parte motion filed by the National Rescue Mission (NRM). The party alleged that INEC and its Chairman refused to comply with a March 5 court order, which mandated the electoral body to recognize the Chief Edozie Njoku-led executives, who emerged from the NRM’s emergency national convention held on January 17, 2025.
According to NRM’s legal counsel, Mr. Oladimeji Ekengba, the convention aimed to fill vacancies and correct imbalances in the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC). He added that despite being fully aware of the judgment and receiving a copy of the enrolled court order, INEC has failed to obey the directive.
- “The INEC Chairman’s refusal to act in line with the judgment risks making this Honourable Court appear like a toothless bulldog,” Ekengba argued.
The party also disclosed in its supporting affidavit that due to the security and access protocols around Prof. Mahmood, it is nearly impossible for court officials to personally serve him the court documents.
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“INEC only receives legal processes at a designated registry near the gate of its headquarters at Plot 430, Zambezi Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja,” the affidavit stated.
To address this challenge, the court ruled that the Form 48—a legal notice warning of potential imprisonment for disobeying court orders—be served via substituted means. Justice Egwuatu ordered that after the documents are delivered, the Applicant must file an affidavit stating the name of the INEC staff who received them.
The matter has been adjourned to July 15, 2025, for mention.
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