The Federal Government has brought charges against Ladi Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2023 governorship election in Ogun State, and nine others for vote buying.

Adebutu, who was not present in court, had been evading law enforcement.

Earlier, he had left the country following allegations of electoral malpractice and money laundering filed against him and his party by the Federal Government.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) had submitted a petition to the Inspector General of Police, leading to an investigation by the State Criminal Investigations Department in Abeokuta.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Federal Ministry of Justice, filed criminal charges against Adebutu and his co-defendants.

Although Adebutu remained at large, some of the other defendants were present in court and pleaded not guilty.

The court granted bail to the defendants and adjourned the case for a definite hearing.

The charges include criminal conspiracy, bribery, and undue influence related to vote buying during the gubernatorial and State Assembly elections in Ogun State.

Adebutu is specifically accused of providing prepaid Verve cards to voters to influence them to vote for PDP candidates.