Ogun State Police Command last night re-arrested Ladi Adebutu, former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

His re-arrest was in connection with the disturbances that occurred during the local government elections in Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government, last Saturday.

Adebutu’s re-arrest followed his recent release from the Department of State Services (DSS), where he had been interrogated on similar allegations.

At press time, Adebutu was in police custody.

He is accused of recruiting about 40 unauthorised police officers from Lagos and coordinating PDP thugs to disrupt the local government election.

After he was earlier released yesterday, he said: “At about 7am on Tuesday, November 19, I was released by the Department of State Services in Abeokuta, following an invitation to answer to spurious accusations arising from the November 16 local government election in Ogun State. My arrest and detention by DSS are meant to silence me.’’

The 24-member Edo State House of Assembly has approved Governor Monday Okpebholo’s request to appoint 20 special advisers, to enhance effective administration.

The approval followed a letter submitted by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Musa Ikhilor, seeking the house’s consent for the appointments.

The motion for the approval was moved by the Majority Leader, Charity Aiguobarueghian, seconded by the Minority Leader, Eric Okaka.

Aiguobarueghian cited Section 196 (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which granted the governor the authority to appoint special advisers.

The motion received unanimous support during a voice vote, clearing the way by the Chief Blessing Agbebaku-led House of Assembly for Okpebholo to proceed with the appointments.

The assembly also received a letter from the governor, nominating Emmanuel Okoebor as commissioner for Finance-designate, while requesting the lawmakers to confirm the appointment.

Governor Okpebholo yesterday kicked off construction of the first flyover at the popular Ramat Park, Benin, as part of efforts to reduce traffic congestion in the city.

Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province terrorists have attacked troops at the Gubio Local Government area of Borno State, killing five.

Also, 10 soldiers were wounded and four are missing in action.

The troops, during the attack, also killed many of the terrorists.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Defence Headquarters confirmed the incident.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, said the attack would not discourage the troops in the counter-terrorism operations in the state and beyond.

He said, “The coordinated attack saw five killed in action soldiers, 10 wounded, and four missing in action, while troops eliminated several terrorists as well as recovered weapons.

“Some equipment, including one gun truck, three TCVs, and an excavator, were burnt by the enemy forces.

“A reinforcement team with air components was dispatched to exploit the general area and the terrorists’ withdrawal route.

“However, it is pertinent to note that such an attack shall not deter the troops and armed forces of Nigeria from seeing the end of terrorism, insurgency, and other insecurity challenges facing the country.”