The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2023 Ogun State governorship election Ladi Adebutu has been detained by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Reports say the detention is related to an incident in the Iperu area of Ogun State on Saturday where Adebutu is accused of mobilising thugs and police officers to disrupt local government election in the state.
Adebutu however has denied the allegations, claiming that hoodlums attempted to assassinate his son, prompting an exchange of gunfire between the assailants and his security team.
Publicity secretary of Ogun State PDP Kayode Adebayo confirmed Adebutu’s arrest and detention in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Monday.
He stated that the DSS invited Adebutu for questioning concerning the disturbances during the local government elections held on Saturday.
“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.”