The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun state, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, has refuted allegations of vote buying and money laundering leveled against him by the Federal government.
After honoring a police invitation at the state police command headquarters in Abeokuta, the PDP candidate spoke to journalists, asserting his innocence in the matter.
Accompanied by his lawyer, Adebutu arrived at the police headquarters and went to the Commissioner of Police’s office before proceeding to the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (CIID).
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He clarified that he was at the police command to address what he referred to as frivolous petitions from the All Progressives Congress (APC) against him.
Addressing the money laundering accusation, Adebutu maintained that he cannot be charged for using his personal wealth to improve people’s lives through economic empowerment.
He emphasized that he was committed to serving the people and denied any wrongdoing in the allegations brought against him.
Adebutu is facing a four-count charge, including criminal conspiracy, bribery, and two counts of undue influence, violating sections 121 and 127 of the Electoral Act 2022.
The charges are related to alleged vote-buying during the election. The trial is scheduled to resume in February 2024, and Adebutu was directed to appear before a Federal High Court in Abeokuta, where he is being tried in absentia.
The arrest and subsequent investigation followed a petition by the State All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, accusing Adebutu and other PDP leaders of buying votes with pre-loaded Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards during the poll.
Adebutu had previously traveled abroad but returned to the country last week, promising to respond to the police invitation.
The APC had claimed that he escaped arrest by traveling abroad, a claim Adebutu refuted and is now addressing in court.
You can also read: APC Welcomes Adebutu’s Return but Urges Him to Face Charges