The Ogun State Command of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday evening detained Hon. Ladi Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, following allegations linked to the recent local government elections in the state.
Adebutu, who earlier addressed a press conference alongside the State Executive Committee (SEC) of the PDP regarding the elections, was taken into custody later in the day. Attempts to secure his release on bail were reportedly unsuccessful.
Sources suggest his detention may be connected to claims that he mobilized thugs and illegal police operatives to disrupt the electoral process in Iperu, his hometown in Ikenne local government area. Adebutu has denied the allegations, alleging instead that hoodlums attempted to harm his son, which led to an exchange of gunfire involving his security details.
Kayode Adebayo, the PDP’s Publicity Secretary in Ogun State, confirmed Adebutu’s detention in a statement released in Abeokuta. He explained that the DSS invited Adebutu for questioning concerning disturbances during Saturday’s elections.
“This is to inform members of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, that our leader has truly been detained by the DSS for charges yet unknown. However, our principal has called for calm,” Adebayo stated, urging party members and supporters to remain peaceful.
Adebayo further disclosed that legal efforts to secure Adebutu’s release were ongoing, with his lawyers set to pursue the matter on Tuesday morning.
