Ladi Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State for the 2023 elections, has been taken into custody by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Reports indicate that his arrest is linked to allegations concerning last Saturday’s local government elections in the state.
Adebutu is accused of transporting 40 allegedly unauthorized police officers from the Lagos-based Mobile Police Squadron 49 (MOPOL 49) to Ogun State during the election.
Additionally, he is alleged to have traversed the Ikenne Local Government Area accompanied by individuals identified as PDP loyalists, many of whom were reportedly riding motorcycles while armed with firearms and other weapons.
These individuals are accused of attempting to snatch ballot boxes during the voting process.
The PDP’s Publicity Secretary in Ogun State, Kayode Adebayo, confirmed Adebutu’s detention in a statement made available to journalists. However, Adebayo noted that the precise charges against Adebutu remained unclear at the time of reporting.
“Yes, the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party has indeed been detained by the DSS on charges that are yet to be disclosed,” Adebayo explained.
Efforts to secure Adebutu’s release on Monday, November 18, 2024, were reportedly unsuccessful. According to Adebayo, attempts were made to grant him bail, either on personal recognition or with the backing of a surety, but these efforts did not yield results by late evening.
“As of 10:00 p.m. on Monday, several attempts were made to secure his release, but none were successful. His legal team has been notified, and they are set to pursue the matter further by Tuesday morning,” Adebayo stated.
In his remarks, Adebayo called for calm among the public, party members, and supporters, urging patience and trust in the legal process.
“Our principal has appealed for calm and has instructed all PDP members, supporters, and well-wishers to remain composed. He assures everyone that this is merely a phase in our democratic journey and that it will pass,” he added.
