Oladipupo Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party’s gubernatorial candidate in Ogun State for the 2023 elections, found himself in court on Tuesday facing seven counts related to vote-buying and electoral infractions during the March 18, 2023, governorship polls.
Appearing before Justice Abiodun Akinyemi of the Ogun State High Court on Kobape Road, Abeokuta, Adebutu was arraigned alongside five co-defendants. They all pleaded not guilty to the charges in the criminal case labeled AB/10c/2023.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had lodged a complaint with the police, alleging that Adebutu had offered inducements to voters by distributing 200,000 vouchers preloaded with N10,000 each. As a result, the Federal Government brought charges against Adebutu and his PDP associates. However, the arraignment was postponed when Adebutu was reported to have traveled abroad for medical treatment.
Upon his return to Nigeria in December 2023, Adebutu voluntarily presented himself to the police. Subsequently, he appeared in court on Tuesday to face the charges, pleading not guilty.
During the proceedings, the prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), informed the court of amendments to the charges against the defendants. This request was granted by the court, with no objection from the defense counsel, Gordy Uche (SAN).
Following the arraignment, Uche sought bail for Adebutu, arguing for self-recognition, citing his client’s voluntary appearance in court and assurance of non-flight. However, the prosecutor, while not opposing bail, argued against self-recognition.
In his ruling, Justice Akinyemi granted Adebutu bail in the sum of N1 million, with one surety of equal amount. The surety could be a family member or a bondsman.
The case was adjourned till Wednesday for the trial to commence.