Adelabu’s Sister Abduction: Police Exonerate APC Governorship Hopeful Alli

The Nigeria Police Force has cleared Oyo State APC governorship hopeful, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, of any involvement in 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.

The police investigation, conducted by the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), instead linked the criminal network to suspects associated with Mr. Ajiboye Sangogade, Personal Assistant to Chief Adebayo Adelabu.

Mrs. Adegoke and her twin sons, Peter and Paul, were rescued on Saturday evening, June 6, 2026, three days after they were kidnapped on June 3 in Ibadan while on their way to school.

Security operatives carried out a tactical raid at a hideout in Lado community, Ayegun, Ibadan, during which two suspects were killed in a gun duel. The operation also led to the recovery of three pump-action rifles, 14 live cartridges, an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla allegedly used in the abduction, as well as charms, a battle axe, a hammer, suspected hard drugs, and face masks.

Police sources said no evidence—such as stickers, logos, or materials—was found linking Senator Alli or the APC to the kidnapping syndicate.

Instead, investigators reportedly traced the operation to individuals identified as associates of Sangogade, including suspects named Wale Abolalewa (alias “Oloro”), Dare Oyedele (alias “Solution”), Semiu Ishola, and Adeyemi Ayobami, who were said to have played operational roles in surveillance and coordination.

Two other suspects, identified as Kelechi and another unnamed gang member, were killed during the raid after opening fire on police operatives.

A voice note allegedly linked to a suspect’s girlfriend has also emerged, in which she was heard suggesting that efforts were being made to falsely implicate Senator Alli in the kidnapping. Security sources said the recording is now part of police evidence and has been described as “spurious and politically motivated.”