Court Dismisses Adebutu’s Bid to Halt Vote-Buying Trial

An Ogun State High Court has dismissed an application filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the 2023 election, Ladi Adebutu, seeking to stop his trial over alleged vote-buying.

Justice T. A. Okunsokan, in a ruling delivered on Wednesday, held that the prosecution had the legal authority to proceed with the case, directing the parties to return for trial.

Adebutu is standing trial alongside five others on a four-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, bribery, and undue influence, contrary to Sections 121 and 127 of the Electoral Act, 2022.

The case followed a petition by Yemi Sanusi, chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, who accused the PDP candidate of engaging in large-scale vote-buying during the 2023 governorship election.

The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Abeokuta investigated the petition before forwarding its findings to the Federal Ministry of Justice, which later filed charges through the Office of Public Prosecutions.

Counsel to the defendants, Muyiwa Obanesa, in his application, asked the court to strike out the charges, arguing that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) lacked the constitutional powers to prosecute the case.

However, prosecuting counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), assisted by S. A. Obafemi, countered the argument, insisting that the AGF was legally empowered to file and prosecute the matter.

In his ruling, Justice Okunsokan held that the AGF had the constitutional authority to institute criminal proceedings, adding that the defense failed to establish any valid reason to halt the trial.

The case was thereafter adjourned to January 29 and 30, 2026, for continuation of trial.