In a manner reminiscent of Abdulsam Othman, the erstwhile Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Garki Village Police Statation, Abuja, who bolted away from custody at the Force headquarters detention cell, the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa Ari, has reportedly bolted from Nigeria and taken up residence in Niger Republic.

This was revealed during the court proceedings for his trial at the Adamawa State High Court of Justice on Wednesday.

Ari was suspended as REC following allegations of gross misconduct, which included receiving bribes to influence the outcome of the 2019 gubernatorial elections in the state, where he illegally announced the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Hajiya Binani as winner of the election.

During the proceedings on Wednesday, counsel for the defendant, Suleiman Usman (SAN), informed the court that his client is presently in Niger Republic with his other wife.

He also promised to produce his client in court and pleaded for an adjournment to enable him to do so.

However, the prosecution had earlier requested for a warrant of arrest to be issued against the defendant, citing his absence in court.

The judge, Justice Benjamin Manji Lawan, ruled against issuing a warrant of arrest since the defendant’s counsel had appeared and promised to produce their client in court.

The case was subsequently adjourned to December 6.