Ex-minister of Power Adelabu’s sister, nephews rescued

Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her 12-year-old twin sons have been rescued by the Nigeria Police Force after being abducted earlier this week in Ibadan.

A senior police source in the state capital confirmed earlier that the victims were freed on Friday night following a coordinated rescue operation.

Two suspected kidnappers were neutralised during a gun duel with police operatives, and two firearms were recovered from the gang. Security forces are still combing nearby areas for fleeing members of the syndicate, some of whom reportedly sustained gunshot wounds.

The trio was kidnapped on June 3, 2026, at Elewura-Challenge in Ibadan South West Local Government Area. Eyewitnesses said armed assailants trailed Mrs John-Paul’s vehicle from her home before intercepting it around 7:30 a.m. as she was taking the twins to school.

In a statement, Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, confirmed the abduction and urged the public to remain calm. “We are deeply distressed by this unfortunate incident but remain hopeful that the victims will be rescued safely. We appeal to the public to avoid speculation and support ongoing efforts with prayers,” the statement read.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State visited Chief Adelabu following the abduction and assured him that security agencies were intensifying efforts to ensure the safe return of his sister and her children. The governor shared a video of the visit on his X handle, saying: “I assured him that the security agencies are working towards their safe return, and we discussed measures to strengthen our security architecture in Oyo State.”

The release comes months after a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Wale Oriade, was abducted in Ibadan in December 2025, highlighting ongoing concerns about targeted attacks in the area. Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Video footage from the rescue shows Mrs John-Paul and her sons being led to safety by security operatives, visibly relieved but unharmed.