The Ogun State High Court sitting in Abeokuta and presided over by Justice Abiodun Akinyemi commenced hearing of proceedings by the Federal Government against the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the March 18, 2023 Elections Ladi Adebutu, on charges of money laundering and vote buying during the Governorship and House of Assembly Elections held in the state.
When the case was called, five suspects were in court while Adebutu and four other accused persons were said to be at large, though Lawyer Goddy Uche SAN announced appearance for Adebutu who claimed to have been on “medical vacation” since April 2023, while Chief Rotimi Jacobs SAN appeared for the prosecution.
Fifty-two Debt ATM cards bearing the name Dame Caroline Adebutu Foundation were presented and accepted as exhibits along with a PDP polling agent tag and a motorcycle that four of the suspects were riding on the day of their arrest.
Two witnesses were presented by INEC for cross-examination including a POS operator who claimed he earned commission on the ten thousand Naira transactions of the debit cards.
Hearing in the case continues tomorrow as agreed to by both parties.
