The Ogun State Police Command has summoned Ladi Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) 2023 governorship candidate, to its Abeokuta headquarters.
This development follows allegations of disturbances during the November 16 local government elections, which saw the All Progressives Congress (APC) secure all seats.
Adebutu is accused of recruiting approximately 40 unauthorized police officers from Lagos and coordinating PDP thugs to disrupt the election. These allegations have sparked controversy, with Adebutu’s camp denying any wrongdoing.
This invitation comes on the heels of Adebutu’s release from Department of State Services (DSS) custody, where he was detained and questioned about the election. Upon his release, Adebutu described the allegations as baseless and the arrest as an attempt to silence him.
“It was about 7 am, Tuesday, 19th November 2024, I was released by the Department of State Services in Abeokuta following an invitation to answer to various spurious accusations all arising from the November 16 Local Government election in Ogun State. Very sadly, the allegations were so baseless that it became clear that their purpose was to silence me as a voice of the opposition. My contention that those elections were not free and fair is my fundamental right to free speech and free thought,” Adebutu stated.
The police are yet to confirm the development, but reports indicate Adebutu is still being held at the Police Command headquarters in Abeokuta. The investigation is ongoing, and more information is expected to emerge in the coming days.
