Police start investigation into kidnapping of ex-minister’s sister and her kids in Oyo

The Oyo State Police Command on Wednesday announced that it has started looking into the kidnapping of the younger sister of Bayo Adelabu, a former Minister of Power and a gubernatorial hopeful for the APC in 2027. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her twin sons were taken early Wednesday morning in Ibadan, the state capital.

The command shared a statement from Olayinka Ayanlade, the state Police Public Relations Officer. The statement assured the public that all necessary resources are being used to rescue the victims and catch the kidnappers.

Femi Awogboro, a media aide to Adelabu, said in a statement, "The family of Adebayo Adelabu, former Minister of Power and leading gubernatorial aspirant of APC in Oyo State, wishes to formally confirm the unfortunate kidnapping of his younger sister, Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, alongside her twin sons, Peter and Paul, in the early hours of Wednesday, June 3, 2026."

"Mrs. John-Paul, aged 43, was reportedly abducted by armed gunmen at about 7:30 a.m. while on her way to drop her children at school in Ibadan. The abductors also forcefully took away her 12-year-old twin sons who were with her at the time of the incident."

"Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul is the youngest of the five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu. Until her voluntary retirement last year, she had served meritoriously at both the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian," Awogboro added.

The police issued another statement saying, "Following the report of the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer, Challenge Division, alongside other tactical teams, to proceed to the scene where the victim’s vehicle was recovered and commence intensive investigations."

The statement continued, "The Command wishes to assure members of the public that all necessary resources have been deployed to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible for this criminal act."

"Investigations are ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice."

The police also urged residents to stay calm, obey the law, and help by providing any useful information that may assist with the investigations.