Daud Olatunji
The Federal Government has amended charges against the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, and nine others.
The amendment took place before a State High Court in Abeokuta, where Adebutu was arraigned on allegations of financial inducement of voters during the March 18 election.
The charges, initially filed in July 2023, were adjusted to accommodate Adebutu, who was reportedly out of the country when nine other defendants were arraigned earlier.
During the court session on Tuesday, Counsel to the Federal Government, Rotimi Jacobs, informed the court about the amendment, having served Adebutu, a major defendant in the case. Counsel to the defendants, Gordy Uche, SAN, did not object to the amendment, and Justice Abiodun Akinyemi granted the application.
The court proceeded to take the plea of Adebutu and six other defendants present.
They pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
In the suit marked AB/10c/2023 (FRN Vs Adebutu &Ors), the Federal Government alleged that Adebutu ordered the issuance of 200,000 preloaded ATM Verve cards with N10,000 each.
These cards were distributed on the day of the election across the state, with the intent of inducing voters.
Gordy Uche requested the court to grant Adebutu bail on self-recognizance, citing that the defendant was served on Tuesday morning, and he willingly presented himself before the court.
The prosecution did not object, and Justice Akinyemi granted Adebutu bail in the sum of N1 million with one surety.
The case has been adjourned until tomorrow for trial.
Speaking to reporters after the proceedings, Rotimi Jacobs confirmed Adebutu’s service on Tuesday morning.
Gordy Uche expressed satisfaction that Adebutu voluntarily appeared in court and emphasised that the charges were unrelated to money laundering.
Uche stated, “He has put to rest all the speculations that he ran away. He has come here voluntarily and has taken his plea. We are ready for the trial.”
The trial is set to continue tomorrow (Wednesday) as both sides prepare for what promises to be a closely watched legal battle.
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