Kidnapped Adelabu’s Sister, Twin Sons Rescued Without Ransom, Reunited With Family
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN — THE Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that no ransom was paid for the rescue of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, who were abducted in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The victims were rescued during a coordinated operation by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) on Saturday, June 6, 2026, following days of intelligence gathering, surveillance and tactical operations.
Mrs. Adegoke, who is a sister to former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her children were kidnapped on June 3, 2026, while she was driving the twins to school in the Elewura area of Challenge, Ibadan.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon, the police said the operation was intelligence-driven and not facilitated by any ransom payment.
According to the statement, investigators successfully tracked the kidnappers’ movements, leading to a confrontation between the suspects and FID-IRT operatives at about 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.
“During the confrontation, two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded and two rifles were recovered. The victims were rescued unharmed and are currently receiving medical attention and support,” the statement said.
The Inspector-General of Police commended the courage, professionalism and effectiveness of the operatives involved in the operation, describing their efforts as instrumental to the safe rescue of the victims.
The police also disclosed that efforts have been intensified to apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate who fled during the operation.
“Preliminary intelligence indicates that some suspects escaped with gunshot injuries. Operations are ongoing to track, arrest and bring all those involved to justice,” the statement added.
A family source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the victims had been reunited with their loved ones and expressed gratitude to the police for their swift and professional intervention.
The source also confirmed that no ransom was paid before the the victims were rescued by the police.
“As I speak, the rescued victims have been reunited with us unharmed and they are happy to be back with their family. We thank God and all Nigerians for their prayers and support. The Nigeria Police is working, and we should continue to support security agencies with useful information to enable them carry out their duties effectively,” the source said.
Meanwhile, the Adelabu family has expressed profound gratitude to God, security agencies and Nigerians for their support during the ordeal.
In a statement signed by Comrade Femi Awogboro, Media Aide to Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the family described the successful rescue as a testament to the effectiveness of collaboration among security agencies, government institutions and citizens.
The family specifically appreciated the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Inspector-General of Police, the Oyo State Police Command, and the Department of State Services (DSS) for their roles in securing the release of the victims.
The statement also acknowledged the support of political leaders, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), religious and traditional leaders, friends, associates and well-wishers across the country.
While celebrating the safe rescue, the family expressed sympathy for other victims of kidnapping still being held captive and called for sustained cooperation among citizens and security agencies to tackle insecurity.
“This experience reaffirms that insecurity transcends politics, ethnicity, religion and social status. It is a common enemy that requires collective vigilance, cooperation and collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, community leaders and citizens,” the statement said.
The family further expressed optimism that with continued support for security agencies, Nigeria would become safer and more secure for all citizens.