Court arraigns Ladi Adebutu over ‘money laundering’ in Ogun

A high court in Ogun has arraigned Ladi Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Ogun in the 2023 elections, on a seven-count charge bordering on money laundering and other offences.

In the court sitting on Tuesday in Abeokuta, the state capital, Adebutu was arraigned alongside six others with case number AB/10c/2023 (FRN Vs Adebutu &Ors).

Adebutu had been arraigned at the Ogun state high court last year, alongside nine others, over alleged vote buying.

Yemi Sanusi, chairperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun, had petitioned the inspector-general, raising the allegations against Adebutu. 

The state criminal investigations department (SCID) of the police in Abeokuta, investigated the matter.

Thereafter, the office of public prosecutions at the federal ministry of justice, filed criminal charges against Adebutu and his co-defendants at the high court.

GRANTED BAIL

During Tuesday’s court session, all the defendants pleaded “not guilty” to the seven count charges preferred against them.

Gordy Uche, lead counsel to the defendants, pleaded with the court to allow the 2nd to 5th and 10th defendants to continue to enjoy bail on earlier terms.

Uche then prayed the court to grant Adebutu, the first defendant, bail on self recognisance, saying he came to the court on his volition.

However, Uche’s request was opposed by Rotimi Jacobs, prosecuting counsel, who disagreed with the self recognisance clause.

Abiodun Akinyemi, presiding judge, granted Adebutu bail in the sum of N1 million with a surety in like sum who may be a family member or bondsman.

The case was adjourned to February 7 for hearing.

A DAD’S INTERVENTION

In a letter dated January 22, Kensington Adebutu, Ladi’s father who is popularly known as Baba Ijebu, wrote Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun, congratulating him for his victory at the supreme court.

Kensington called for “an end to litigation and unhealthy rivalry” in the state, saying he had counselled his son to put aside political opposition and join hands in moving the state forward.

However, the Progressive Movement for Social Justice, a political group, advised the governor to disregard the conciliatory letter.