Kidnap Investigation Takes New Turn as Police Report Finds No APC Connection in Adelabu Family Abduction Case
The ongoing investigation into the abduction of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her 11-year-old twin sons, has taken a dramatic new turn following revelations from security agencies that no evidence has been found linking the crime to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or Oyo APC governorship aspirant, Senator Sharafadeen Alli.
According to information emerging from the Nigeria Police Force's Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), preliminary findings indicate that the kidnapping syndicate may instead have connections to individuals allegedly associated with Mr. Ajiboye Sangogade, a Personal Assistant to Chief Adelabu.
Mrs. Adegoke and her twin sons, Peter and Paul, were kidnapped on June 3, 2026, while on their way to school in Ibadan, Oyo State. The incident sparked widespread concern across the state and triggered an intensive manhunt by security operatives.
Following days of coordinated intelligence gathering and tactical operations, the victims were successfully rescued on the evening of June 6, 2026. During a major raid conducted at a suspected criminal hideout located in the Lado community of Ayegun, Ibadan, police operatives engaged members of the gang in a fierce gun battle. Two suspected kidnappers were reportedly neutralized after opening fire on security personnel.
Security agents recovered a number of exhibits from the hideout, including three pump-action rifles, fourteen live cartridges, an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla allegedly used during the abduction, criminal charms, a battle axe, a hammer, suspected hard drugs, and several face masks believed to have been used by members of the gang during operations.
At a police briefing held after the rescue operation, authorities publicly displayed items recovered from the suspects and the hideout. Security sources disclosed that none of the materials recovered bore any sticker, logo, insignia, campaign material, or other evidence linking either the APC or Senator Sharafadeen Alli to the criminal syndicate.
Investigators instead focused attention on relationships allegedly connecting the arrested suspects to associates of Mr. Ajiboye Sangogade. According to police sources, those currently in custody include individuals believed to have played different roles in planning and executing the abduction.
Among those arrested are Wale Abolalewa, popularly known as "Oloro," described as a key member of the syndicate who had reportedly been on the police watchlist. Also in custody is Dare Oyedele, alias "Solution," identified as a major operational figure involved in surveillance and execution activities.
Other suspects include Semiu Ishola, 39, who allegedly secured the hideout used by the gang, and Adeyemi Ayobami, 35, who is said to have facilitated access to the location. Police confirmed that two other gang members, including a suspect identified as Kelechi, were killed during the exchange of gunfire with operatives.
Adding another dimension to the investigation is a controversial voice recording currently circulating on social media. The voice note, allegedly linked to a woman described as a close associate or girlfriend of Ajiboye Sangogade, reportedly contains discussions suggesting efforts to connect the kidnapping incident to Senator Sharafadeen Alli.
According to security sources familiar with the investigation, the recording has since been obtained by investigators and is being examined as part of ongoing inquiries. The sources described previous attempts to associate Senator Alli with the crime as politically motivated and lacking factual foundation.
Earlier, an aide to Chief Adelabu, who requested anonymity, reportedly raised concerns about the possibility of an insider operation. The aide specifically mentioned Mr. Segun Alawaye and Wale Abolalewa ("Oloro") as individuals allegedly involved in the criminal network, claiming both were known associates frequently seen around Mr. Sangogade.
Police investigations have also revealed that the gang allegedly carried out detailed surveillance before executing the kidnapping. Detectives believe the suspects monitored the family's movements, photographed vehicles, studied school environments, and even attempted to recruit a household staff member identified simply as "Segun" several weeks before the incident.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command has intensified efforts to apprehend fleeing members of the syndicate. Authorities believe some suspects may have sustained gunshot injuries during the operation and have urged hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers to immediately report individuals presenting suspicious bullet wounds.
A senior police officer involved in the investigation emphasized that efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest all collaborators, financiers, and sponsors connected to the criminal enterprise.
"The investigation is ongoing to apprehend every individual involved. All suspects and their sponsors will face the full weight of the law," the officer stated.
Senator Sharafadeen Alli has since congratulated Chief Adebayo Adelabu and his family on the safe rescue of the victims. He also commended the efforts of security agencies and urged law enforcement authorities to ensure a comprehensive investigation that leads to the prosecution of all those involved.
In a separate statement issued through his media office, the senator further appealed for intensified security operations across Oyo State, particularly regarding the recent abduction of teachers and students from schools in Ahoro Esiele and Yawota Ogbomoso within Oriire Local Government Area.
As investigations continue, the case remains one of the most closely watched security developments in Oyo State, with residents awaiting the outcome of police efforts to dismantle the entire kidnapping network and bring all responsible parties to justice.
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