Ladi Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State during the 2023 election, has been detained by the Department of State Services (DSS).
His detention follows an invitation connected to a reported disturbance during Saturday’s local government elections in the Iperu area of the state.
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Adebutu is alleged to have orchestrated the disruption by mobilizing thugs and illegal police operatives to interfere with the electoral process across the area. However, Adebutu refuted the claims, stating that the incident stemmed from an attack by hoodlums who attempted to harm his son, which led to an exchange of gunfire between the attackers and his security team.
The arrest was confirmed by the Ogun State PDP Publicity Secretary, Kayode Adebayo, in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Monday. Adebayo noted that Adebutu’s detention was reportedly linked to the disturbances during the elections.
“This is to inform 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 stated.
He urged calm among party members, supporters, and well-wishers, assuring them that Adebutu remains committed to peace and democracy. “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 said.
Efforts to secure Adebutu’s release as of 10 p.m. on Monday have been unsuccessful. Adebayo revealed that Adebutu’s legal team has been informed and is set to pursue his bail on Tuesday morning.
“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 added.
