Justice Adefunmilayo Adekemi Demi-Ajayi of the Federal High Court in Osogbo on Monday expressed concern over the delay by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in complying with a court order.
The court had previously directed INEC to pay a cost of ₦100,000 and scheduled Monday for a ruling on the committal proceedings brought against the commission and its chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, by the Action Alliance (AA). However, INEC failed to comply with the directive, prompting visible displeasure from the presiding judge.
At the resumed hearing, INEC’s counsel, Mr. Vilba Kintai, informed the court that a preliminary objection had been filed against the court’s order. In response, AA’s counsel, Mr. O. K. Etibo, urged the court to strike out the objection, arguing that it was a calculated attempt by INEC to frustrate the judicial process and delay the court’s judgment.
Etibo emphasized that the defendant’s refusal to obey the cost order contravened Order 25, Rule 10 of the Federal High Court Rules and amounted to wasting the court’s time. He urged the court to proceed with the matter.
Justice Demi-Ajayi echoed concerns about time-wasting tactics and directed INEC’s counsel to respond directly to the court’s order. She then adjourned the case until Monday, September 22, 2025.
