The 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, has been detained by the Department of State Services.
The arrest is reportedly linked to disturbances during Saturday’s local government elections in the Iperu area of Ogun State. Adebutu is accused of mobilizing thugs and unauthorized police operatives to disrupt the elections across the local government area.
However, Adebutu has denied the allegations, claiming that the incident stemmed from an attack on his son. He stated that hoodlums attempted to harm his son, leading to a shootout between the attackers and his security detail.
The Ogun State PDP Publicity Secretary, Kayode Adebayo, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Monday. Adebayo noted that Adebutu was invited by the DSS for questioning regarding the alleged disturbances.
“This is to inform the members of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, that the leader of the party has truly been detained by the DSS for charges yet unknown,” Adebayo said.
“However, our principal has called for calm and directed that all members of the party, supporters, and well-wishers should rest assured that this time shall pass. It is one of the prices for our democracy.”
Adebayo added that efforts to secure Adebutu’s release as of 10 p.m. on Monday had been unsuccessful. “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 it up by tomorrow (Tuesday) morning,” he said.
The PDP spokesperson urged members of the party and the general public to remain peaceful and patient while the situation is resolved.
“By this release, we want our people and the general public to be duly informed about his whereabouts and to maintain calm and peace until this matter is resolved,” the statement concluded.
Adebutu’s detention comes amid heightened political tensions in Ogun State, raising concerns about the aftermath of the local government elections.
