The 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, has regained his freedom from the Department of State Services (DSS) custody.
Earlier reports by the Gistcore revealed that Adebutu was arrested and detained on Monday evening after honouring an invitation from the DSS.
The Publicity Secretary of the Ogun State PDP, Kayode Adebayo, confirmed the arrest in a statement, noting that Adebutu was “detained by the DSS on charges yet to be made clear.”
Sources close to the situation, however, indicated that Adebutu’s detention was likely related to an incident that occurred in the Iperu area of Ogun State on Saturday.
During the incident, Adebutu was allegedly accused of mobilizing thugs and illegal police operatives to disrupt the local government elections in the area.
Adebutu has, however, vehemently denied the allegations, asserting that the disturbance arose when hoodlums attempted to harm his son, leading to an exchange of gunfire between the assailants and his security team.
His release was confirmed on Tuesday morning, with the politician issuing a statement denouncing his arrest.
In the statement, which he personally signed, Adebutu described his detention as part of an effort to silence him.
“I was released at about 7 am, Tuesday, 19th November 2024, by the DSS in Abeokuta, following an invitation to respond to various unfounded accusations arising from the November 16 local government election in Ogun State,” Adebutu said.
He further expressed his belief that the charges were baseless and aimed at curbing his voice as an opposition leader.
He stated, “My stance that the local government elections were neither free nor fair is my fundamental right to free speech and free thought.
“I also believe in the need for local government financial autonomy, which can only be achieved through free and fair elections—an idea that aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is not a partisan issue, but a nationalistic one.”
Adebutu pointed out the growing challenges in Ogun State over the past five years, warning of attempts to undermine the third tier of government, which he believes would hinder the state’s development.
“The struggle for Ogun’s development continues, and I will soon publish further details on this matter,” he added
