The Ogun State High Court has rejected a request filed by lawyers representing Ladi Adebutu and five others to dismiss the criminal case against them over alleged vote buying.
During Wednesday’s hearing of the case between the Federal Government and Adebutu, presided over by Justice T.A. Okunsokan, the judge ruled that the case should proceed to trial.
Adebutu, who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the 2023 election, is accused of being involved in large-scale vote buying during the poll, which is an offence under the Electoral Act 2022.
Prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), opposed the defence’s claim that the Attorney-General of the Federation had no authority to file the case.
The court agreed with the prosecution, ruling that under Section 174 of the Constitution, the Attorney-General has the power to initiate such criminal proceedings.
The judge also dismissed the defence’s argument that the case amounts to double jeopardy, saying the claim was not supported by law.
Justice Okunsokan said that the defendants’ application lacked merit and dismissed it.
The case was adjourned to January 29 and 30, 2026, for trial to continue.
