The Department of State Services (DSS) in Ogun State has detained Ladi Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the 2023 election.
According to a reporter, Adebutu’s arrest is linked to last Saturday’s local government election in the state.
Ladi Adebutu was accused of bringing 40 unauthorized policemen from MOPOL 49 in Lagos to Ogun State on election day.
He was also alleged to have moved around the Ikenne local government area with PDP thugs on motorcycles, attempting to snatch ballot boxes while wielding guns and other weapons.
The PDP publicity secretary, Kayode Adebayo, confirmed Adebutu’s arrest to reporter, stating that he was detained on undisclosed charges. Adebayo added that efforts to secure his release had been unsuccessful as of 10 p.m.
He stated, “The leader of the Peoples Democratic Party has indeed been detained by the DSS on charges that remain unclear.
As of 10 p.m. on Monday, November 18, 2024, multiple attempts to secure Ladi Adebutu’s bail, either on personal recognition or through a surety, have been unsuccessful. His legal team has been informed and will address the matter on Tuesday morning 19/11/24.
The PDP publicity secretary called on the public and party supporters to remain calm and peaceful while the issue is being resolved.
“Our principal has urged calm and reassured party members, supporters, and well-wishers that this is just one of the challenges of our democracy, and it will pass,” he stated.
