Ladi Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2023 Ogun State governorship election, has been arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS), the party confirmed on Monday.
Kayode Adebayo, PDP Publicity Secretary in Ogun State, disclosed in a statement issued from Abeokuta that Adebutu is being held in connection with alleged disturbances during the local government elections on November 16, 2024.
Adebayo confirmed that Adebutu was invited for questioning and subsequently detained, though the specific charges remain unclear. “This is to inform our party members that our leader has indeed been detained by the DSS on charges still unknown to us,” he said.
Despite the arrest, Adebayo reassured party members, supporters, and well-wishers that Adebutu has called for calm. “Our principal has urged everyone to remain peaceful and assured them that this is just one of the challenges we face in our democracy,” he added.
Adebayo also provided an update on the efforts to secure Adebutu’s release, revealing that attempts to obtain bail, either through personal recognition or surety, had not been successful by 10 p.m. on Monday, November 18, 2024. “His lawyers are aware of the situation and will be taking further action on Tuesday morning,” he said.
The PDP spokesman concluded by urging the public to stay informed about Adebutu’s whereabouts and maintain peace while the matter is resolved.
