By James
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The Oyo State Police Command has uncovered what appears to be a disturbing case of betrayal from within, alleging that a trusted aide attached to the family of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, played a key role in the kidnapping of the politician’s sister and her twin sons in Ibadan.
The victims, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, and her 12-year-old twin boys, Peter and Paul, were abducted on June 3, 2026, along the Elewura axis of Ring Road, Ibadan, while she was driving the children to school.
The incident triggered widespread concern across Oyo State and beyond, given the growing wave of kidnappings and violent crimes targeting prominent individuals and their families in different parts of Nigeria.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, the Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, CSP Adewale Ayanlade, disclosed that investigations had revealed the involvement of a family insider who allegedly supplied crucial information that aided the kidnappers.
According to the police spokesman, the suspect, identified as Shehu, served as a personal assistant within the Adelabu family circle and allegedly provided details about the family’s daily routines, movements, and lifestyle patterns.
“The kidnappers first approached Shehu for information about the family. He allegedly gave them insider knowledge that enabled them to monitor and profile their targets,” Ayanlade said.
Police investigations indicate that the criminal gang initially planned to abduct another member of the family but altered their strategy after discovering that a driver usually transported the children to school. The plot reportedly changed when the suspects noticed that Mrs. John-Paul occasionally drove the children herself.
The breakthrough came following a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, which led to a coordinated operation involving the Oyo State Police Command and operatives of the Force Intelligence Department’s Intelligence Response Team.
Security operatives arrested a suspected gang leader popularly known as “Ololu,” who had reportedly been on the police watch list for some time. His arrest led investigators to another suspect, known as “Solution” (Dare), and eventually to the location where the victims were being held.
On June 6, police operatives stormed a hideout in the Ayegbule area of Ibadan. During the operation, suspects allegedly opened fire on the security team, prompting an exchange of gunfire.
Two suspected kidnappers, including one identified as Kelechi, who reportedly travelled from Lagos to participate in the operation, were killed during the confrontation.
Weapons were recovered from the scene, while the victims were rescued unharmed.
Authorities say investigations are continuing to determine whether the kidnapping was purely ransom-driven or part of a broader conspiracy. Police believe additional members of the gang remain at large and have launched a manhunt to apprehend them.
The command has vowed to pursue not only the remaining suspects but also anyone found to have financed, sponsored, or facilitated the crime.
The case once again highlights the increasing role of insider collaboration in high-profile kidnappings across Nigeria, where trusted employees, domestic staff, associates, and aides have occasionally been implicated in providing sensitive information to criminal networks.
As investigations deepen, attention is expected to focus on uncovering the full extent of the conspiracy and ensuring that all those connected to the abduction face justice.
