Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
Former governorship candidate of the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ladi Adebutu, has regained his freedom after being detained by the Department of State Services (DSS).
His release, which occurred early Tuesday morning, was confirmed by his media aide, Afolabi Orekoya, in a phone conversation with Channels Television.
Adebutu had been invited and questioned by the DSS in connection with an alleged disturbance during last Saturday’s local government elections in Ogun State. The Ogun State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kayode Adebayo, had earlier confirmed his detention by the DSS command in Abeokuta, the state capital.
In a statement released by the party, Adebayo disclosed, “This is to inform the members of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, that the leader of the party has truly been detained by the DSS for charges yet unknown. However, our principal has called for calm and directed that all members of the party, supporters, and well-wishers should be rest assured that this time shall pass. It is one of the prices for our democracy.”
Efforts to secure Adebutu’s release on bail throughout Monday evening reportedly proved unsuccessful. His legal team had been prepared to escalate the matter further on Tuesday morning. However, the DSS eventually released him without further delay.
Ladi Adebutu, who contested the Ogun State governorship election under the PDP in 2023, has been a prominent figure in the state’s political landscape. His brief detention drew attention within and beyond the PDP, with supporters urging peace and calm during the process.