The sister of former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 governorship hopeful in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, has been kidnapped alongside her twin children in Ibadan.
The incident occurred on Wednesday morning in the Challenge area of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area of the state.
An eyewitness told PUNCH Online that the victims were seized at about 7:30 a.m. while the woman was on her way to drop her children at school.
Confirming the development, media aide to Adelabu, Femi Awogboro, said in a statement that the victims include Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul.
He said:
“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. Olufunfunmilayo 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 statement added that security agencies have been alerted and have already begun investigations and rescue efforts aimed at securing the release of the victims.
It read further:
“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 also appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information that could affect ongoing rescue operations.
