FG files Money Laundering charges against top politician

The Federal Government of Nigeria has filed charges against Oladipupo Adebutu, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, for alleged vote-buying during the elections held on March 18 in the state.

The charges were brought by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice before the Ogun State High Court in Abeokuta. Additionally, nine other individuals associated with the PDP have also been charged in the same suit.

In a separate case filed at the Federal High Court in Abeokuta, two other individuals are being charged for allegedly aiding Adebutu in committing the offense.

The lawsuits were filed on June 2 by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, M. B. Abubakar, along with Aderonke Imana, an Assistant Chief State Counsel, and Sani Bagudu, a Senior Counsel at the Department of Public Prosecution of the Federation, on behalf of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

Among the defendants charged alongside Adebutu before the Ogun State High Court are Ogunbona Hammed, Tiamiyu Waliu, Egunsola Owolabi, and Sanni Adejoke. The remaining defendants include Dare Ogunleye, Dare Adeoye, Dayo Fashina, Wasiu Enilolobo, and Malik Akawo.

According to the prosecution’s notice, Adebutu and four other defendants are currently at large and their whereabouts are unknown.

In the suit filed before the Ogun State High Court, the federal government has charged Adebutu and the fifth defendant, Adejoke Sanni, with three counts of alleged criminal conspiracy, bribery, and undue influence. The other eight defendants are facing charges related to criminal conspiracy and bribery.

The prosecution has identified eight witnesses it intends to call upon to present its case. These witnesses include a police officer, three officials from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and two points-of-sale (POS) operators.

The legal proceedings will shed light on the alleged vote-buying activities during the March elections in Ogun State, providing an opportunity for the court to examine the evidence and determine the validity of the charges.

The defendants will have the opportunity to present their defense and respond to the allegations in due course.