The Department of State Services (DSS) in Ogun State has taken Ladi Adebutu, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), into custody. The arrest reportedly stems from allegations related to the recent local government elections held in the state.
Sources claim that Adebutu was accused of transporting 40 individuals identified as “illegal policemen” from the Lagos-based MOPOL 49 unit to Ogun State on the day of the elections.
Additionally, there are allegations that he, along with suspected PDP-affiliated thugs on motorcycles, moved around the Ikenne Local Government Area.
They were reportedly involved in attempts to disrupt the electoral process by snatching ballot boxes while allegedly wielding firearms and other dangerous weapons.
Confirming the development, the PDP’s Ogun State publicity secretary, Kayode Adebayo, stated that Adebutu’s arrest occurred on Monday, November 18, 2024. However, the charges leading to his detention remain unclear.
He said, ” The leader of the Peoples Democratic Party has truly been detained by the DSS for charges yet unknown.
“Several efforts have been made to secure his bail as at 10pm on Monday, 18th November, 2024 either on personal recognition or by a surety but none has yielded any result so far; his lawyers have been informed and they will take it up by tomorrow (Tuesday) morning.”
“However, our principal has called for calm and directed that all members of the party, supporters and well wishers should be rest assured that this time shall pass, it is one of the prices for our democracy,” he added.
