The Department of State Services (DSS) in Ogun State has arrested Ladi Adebutu, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Reports indicate that Adebutu’s arrest is connected to last Saturday’s local government elections in Ogun State. He is accused of allegedly bringing 40 unauthorized policemen from MOPOL 49 in Lagos to the state during the election. Additionally, he was alleged to have moved around the Ikenne Local Government Area with PDP supporters on motorcycles, reportedly attempting to snatch ballot boxes while armed with guns and other weapons.
The PDP’s publicity secretary, Kayode Adebayo, confirmed Adebutu’s arrest to DAILY POST, stating that he was detained on unspecified charges. Efforts to secure his release, either on personal recognition or through a surety, were unsuccessful as of 10 p.m. on Monday, November 18, 2024.
Adebayo said, “The leader of the Peoples Democratic Party has indeed been detained by the DSS on charges yet to be disclosed. Several attempts to secure his bail have been made, but none has succeeded so far. His legal team has been informed and will address the matter on Tuesday morning.”
He further urged members of the public and the party’s supporters to remain calm, stating that Adebutu has called for peace. “Our principal has asked everyone to stay calm and assured us that this is just one of the challenges of democracy. This, too, shall pass,” Adebayo added.
