The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, was arraigned before a State High Court in Abeokuta by the Federal Government on Tuesday.
The charges against Adebutu for alleged vote-buying during the March 18 election were amended to include him in the ongoing case initiated in July 2023.
Nine other defendants had been arraigned earlier in July 2023, but Adebutu was reportedly abroad at the time.
The court resumed the hearing on Tuesday, and the Federal Government’s counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), informed the court that the charges had been amended to accommodate Adebutu, considered a principal defendant in the case.
Upon the court’s resumption, Adebutu and six other defendants present pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The Federal Government alleged that Adebutu, through his bank, ordered the issuance of 200,000 preloaded ATM Verve cards loaded with N10,000 each. These cards were allegedly distributed across the state on election day to influence voters.
Following his plea, Adebutu’s counsel sought bail on self-recognition, emphasizing that the defendant was served on the morning of the court appearance.
The trial judge, Justice Abiodun Akinyemi, granted bail to Adebutu for N1 million and required one surety.
The court has adjourned the case to the following day for trial. Legal proceedings will continue as both sides present their evidence and the court deliberates on the allegations.
