Armed men have abducted the younger sister of former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, along with her twin sons in Ibadan.
The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday morning in the Challenge area of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area.
A statement issued by one of Adelabu’s media aides, Femi Awogboro, confirmed the abduction and identified the victims as Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul.
According to the statement, “The family of Adebayo Adelabu, former Minister of Power and leading governorship 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. Olaide Busayo Adegoke 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. 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.
“Following her retirement, she relocated to Ibadan with her children while making preparations to eventually join her husband, Mr. John Paul, who had earlier relocated to the United States of America.”
The family said security agencies were immediately alerted after the incident and have since launched efforts to rescue the victims.
The statement further noted: “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.
“Immediately the incident was reported, all relevant security and law enforcement agencies were duly contacted. We are pleased to confirm that security operatives have swung into action and preliminary investigations have commenced in earnest. Efforts are currently ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible for this heinous crime.
“Adebayo Adelabu and the entire family are deeply distressed by this tragic development but remain hopeful and confident in the capacity of the security agencies to secure the safe release of Mrs. John-Paul and her children.”
The family appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information that could affect ongoing rescue efforts. It also requested prayers and support from Nigerians during the period.
In addition, the family urged anyone with useful information to share it with security agencies through the appropriate channels.
The statement added, “The family will continue to cooperate fully with security authorities and will provide further updates as events unfold.”
The abduction comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in Oyo State. On May 15, more than 40 teachers and students were kidnapped during an attack at Ahoro-Esiele in Oriire Local Government Area.
In December 2025, a chieftain of the APC in the state, Wale Oriade, was also abducted in Ibadan. Witnesses said armed men arrived at his office in a blue Micra vehicle and took him away.
An eyewitness said, “The nature of the attack and the precision with which it was carried out have caused deep concern within his community.”
Reacting to the latest incident, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said, “I can not independently verify this for now, but please hold on.”
