The Department of State Services (DSS) in Ogun State has arrested Ladi Adebutu, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in connection with allegations stemming from last Saturday’s local government elections in the state.
Reports indicate that Adebutu was apprehended over accusations of orchestrating electoral malpractices. He was alleged to have brought 40 unauthorized personnel from the Mobile Police Force (MOPOL 49) in Lagos to Ogun State on the day of the election. Additionally, he was accused of leading PDP-aligned individuals in the Ikenne Local Government Area, who were allegedly riding motorcycles, brandishing firearms and other weapons, and attempting to snatch ballot boxes.
The PDP Publicity Secretary, Kayode Adebayo, confirmed Adebutu’s arrest to Newsmen stating that he was being held by the DSS for charges yet to be disclosed.
According to Adebayo, efforts to secure Adebutu’s release as of 10:00 p.m. on Monday, November 18, 2024, were unsuccessful.
“The leader of the Peoples Democratic Party has indeed been detained by the DSS for charges yet unknown,” Adebayo said. “Several efforts have been made to secure his bail, either on personal recognition or by a surety, but none has yielded any result so far.
His lawyers have been informed and will take up the matter by Tuesday morning.”
Adebayo called for calm among party members and supporters, urging them to remain peaceful while the situation is resolved.
“Our principal has called for calm and has directed all members of the party, supporters, and well-wishers to rest assured that this time shall pass. It is one of the prices for our democracy,” he added.
The development has stirred reactions across the state, with many awaiting further updates on the accusations and the legal proceedings that may follow.
