The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested and detained Ladi Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2023 Ogun State governorship election.
The development was confirmed by the PDP’s Ogun State Publicity Secretary, Kayode Adebayo, in a statement issued on Monday in Abeokuta.
Adebutu was reportedly invited for questioning over alleged disturbances during the local government elections held on November 16, 2024.
Despite multiple attempts to secure his release, including efforts for bail through personal recognition or surety, Adebutu remains in custody.
The party has urged its members and supporters to remain calm as legal steps are being taken to address the situation.
“This is to inform the 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 said.
“However, 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.
“Several efforts have been made to secure his bail as at 10pm on Monday, 18th November 2024 either on personal recognition or by a surety but none has yielded any result so far; his lawyers have been informed and they will take it up by tomorrow (Tuesday) morning. “By this release, 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.”
