Oyo Police Deny Igboho’s Role In Release Of Abducted Victims

The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed reports linking Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, to the alleged release of kidnapped victims in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government Area of the state.

The Command said it had yet to confirm the rescue or release of the victims and stressed that there was no evidence indicating that the activist played any role in securing their freedom.

The clarification followed widespread reports and viral videos on social media claiming that the abducted victims regained their freedom shortly after Igboho issued a two-hour ultimatum to suspected kidnappers and their alleged collaborators.

Earlier, Igboho had threatened to personally confront those responsible for the abduction if the captives, reportedly including a woman, her children and a sibling, were not released within the stipulated period.

Shortly after the expiration of the ultimatum, reports emerged suggesting that the victims had been freed, sparking celebrations in parts of the community. Videos circulating online showed residents jubilating and welcoming what was described as the return of the captives after days of anxiety and uncertainty.

The abduction had generated widespread outrage in the community following reports that armed men stormed a residence during a midnight attack and kidnapped members of a family before demanding ransom.

Initial reports indicated that the abductors demanded N300 million for the victims’ release before allegedly reducing the ransom to N150 million during negotiations.

The incident further heightened tensions amid allegations that a pregnant woman and a ransom courier were killed during the ordeal, claims that fueled public anger and prompted Igboho’s intervention.

In a series of viral videos, the activist accused criminal elements of turning the area into a safe haven for kidnappers and warned individuals allegedly aiding the perpetrators to desist or face consequences.

However, reacting to the development, the Oyo State Police Command cautioned against relying on unverified reports and insisted that investigations into the incident were still ongoing.

According to the command, the Nigeria Police Force had not officially confirmed that the hostages had regained their freedom.

“The Nigeria Police Force has officially debunked claims that the hostages have been safely released,” the command stated, adding that the Commissioner of Police had not confirmed any involvement by Sunday Igboho in any rescue operation.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, described reports linking the activist to the alleged release of the victims as unsubstantiated and urged members of the public to await verified information from security agencies.

At the time of filing this report, uncertainty remained over the exact circumstances surrounding the alleged release of the victims, while reactions continued to trail the incident across Oyo State and beyond.