Despite the service of the certified true copy of the judgment on INEC

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a contempt lawsuit against Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The is due to his failure to "to investigate the allegations of electoral offences committed during the 2023 general elections, identify suspected perpetrators and their sponsors, and ensure their effective prosecution."

The is due to his failure to "to investigate the allegations of electoral offences committed during the 2023 general elections, identify suspected perpetrators and their sponsors, and ensure their effective prosecution."

In the ruling, Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja ordered INEC "to pursue cases of bribery against state governors and their deputies, and other electoral offences committed during the 2023 general elections."

SERAP's lawsuit is based on a July 18, 2024 court judgment ordering INEC to pursue bribery cases against state governors and deputies, and other electoral offenses

However, INEC and Professor Yakubu have failed and/or refused to implement the judgment, SERAP lamented in a statement dated October 27, 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare.

Justice Egwuatu also ordered "INEC to seek the appointment of independent counsel to investigate allegations of electoral offences including bribery, vote-buying, conspiracy, and undue influence against state governors and their deputies during the 2023 general elections."

The Federal High Court, Abuja in the notice of consequences of disobedience to order of court warned Yakubu that he would be "guilty of contempt of Court and liable to be committed to prison" if he fails "to obey the judgment orders."

The notice, addressed to Prof. Yakubu, reads in part: "take notice that unless you obey the Orders contained in the Judgment of the 18th July 2024 made by Justice Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja in Suit Number: FHC/ABJ/CS/583/2023, a copy of which is hereto attached, you will be guilty of contempt of Court and will be liable to be committed to prison."

it reads, "It's unacceptable to take the court, which is the guardian of justice in this country, for a ride. A democratic state based on the rule of law cannot exist or function, if INEC and its chair routinely ignore and/or fail to abide by court orders.

"Despite the service of the certified true copy of the judgment on INEC and Professor Yakubu, they have failed and or refused to obey it.