The Federal Government has arraigned Ladi Adebutu, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2023 governorship election in Ogun State.
He was arraigned on Monday alongside five others before an Ogun State High Court in Abeokuta for their alleged involvement in vote buying.
He was charged to court following a petition to the inspector general of police by the APC in Ogun state.
Background
The petition was filed by the Ogun state Chapter of the APC led by its Chairman, Yemi Sanusi over vote buying allegation.
Following the petition, the State Criminal Investigations Department in Eleweran, Abeokuta reportedly conducted an investigation into the allegations.
As stated in the charge sheet dated June 2, 2023, with case number AB/10C/2003 filed at the high court, Ladi Adebutu, along with Ogunbona Hammed, Tiamiyu Waliu, Egunsola Owolabi, Sanni Adegoke, Hon. Dare Lukman Ogunleye, Dayo Fasina, Wasiu Enilolobo, and Malik Badmus, are facing a four-count charge.
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Part of the sheet reads “Adebutu and the co-accused on or about 18th of March at Ibara, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire among yourselves to corruptly give gifts in form of verve prepaid cards which had inscribed on them ‘Dame Caroline Oladuni Adebutu Memorial Endorsement Scheme for Less Privileged’ in order to induce voters to endeavour the return of PDP candidates during the gubernatorial and State Assembly elections in Ogun State.”
The four count charges include: One count of criminal conspiracy which is in violation of Section 121 of the Electoral Act 2022, bribery, also in violation of Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2022, and two counts of undue influence, contrary to Section 127 of the Electoral Act, 2022.
Adebutu allegedly distributed 200,000 prepaid Verve cards loaded with N10,000 each to influence voters to vote for PDP candidates.
Court proceeding
During the court proceedings on Monday, Adebutu was absent, while the five other defendants, Ogunbona Hammed, Tiamiyi Waleed, Egunsola Owolabi, Sanni Adejoke, and Malik were present.
Upon arraignment, All the defendants pleaded not guilty to the four counts charges prefered against them by the Federal Government.
Following their pleas, their counsel, Muyiwa Obanewa, requested the court to grant bail to the defendants.
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Court’s decision
Ruling on the bail application, Justice Abiodun Akinyemi granted them bail in the sum of N100,000 each.
The bail conditions required the defendants to provide one surety each who could be either bondsmen or relatives of the defendants.
The sureties were also required to present evidence of payment of tax.
The judge then adjourned the case for a definite hearing on September 26, 2023.