The Federal Government has arraigned Oladipupo Adebutu, the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), before the Ogun State High Court in Abeokuta.
He faces seven counts of money laundering and related offenses.
This case, with the number AB/10c/2023 (FRN Vs Adebutu &Ors), stems from allegations of criminal inducement during the gubernatorial election held on March 18, 2023.
Adebutu allegedly ordered the issuance of 200,000 preloaded ATM Verve cards, each with N10,000, through his bank, which were distributed across the state on the election day with the intention of inducing voters.
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He and six others were charged to court by the police. Although Adebutu reportedly left the country for months, he returned in December 2023.
During the arraignment, the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, withdrew the initial information and substituted it with amended information, which was unopposed by the lead counsel to the defendants, Chief Gordy Uche.
While all defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, Chief Gordy Uche requested that the 2nd to 5th and 10th defendants continue enjoying bail on previous terms.
He also urged the court to grant Adebutu bail on self-recognizance, emphasizing that Adebutu voluntarily appeared in court.
However, the prosecuting counsel opposed bail on self-recognizance for Adebutu, though not objecting to the bail itself.
The presiding judge, Justice Abiodun Akinyemi, subsequently granted bail to Adebutu in the sum of N1 million, with a surety in the same amount, who may be a family member or bondsman.
The case was adjourned till February 7, 2024, for further hearing.
You can also read: APC Welcomes Adebutu’s Return but Urges Him to Face Charges