Gunmen have kidnapped Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the younger sister of Nigeria’s former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 Oyo State governorship aspirant, Adebayo Adelabu, alongside her twin sons in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The distressing incident occurred in the Challenge area of the Ibadan South West Local Government Area on Wednesday morning, June 3, 2026, around 7:30 a.m., while she was driving her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, to school.
Family Confirms the Abduction
A statement issued by Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, officially confirmed the abduction. According to the family, the 43-year-old victim is the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu. Until her voluntary retirement last year, she had built a distinguished career serving at both the Central Bank of Nigeria and the First Bank Pension Custodian.
Following her retirement, she moved to Ibadan with her children while making plans to reunite with her husband, Mr. John Paul, who is currently residing in the United States of America.
Security Forces Mobilized for Rescue
The statement revealed that law enforcement agencies were notified immediately after the abduction. Security forces have reportedly launched preliminary investigations and are conducting operations to secure the safe release of the mother and her children, as well as to apprehend the perpetrators.
“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 spokesperson stated.
The family has urged members of the public to maintain peace, avoid spreading unverified rumors that could compromise ongoing security efforts, and offer prayers for their safe return.
Growing Security Concerns in Oyo State
This high-profile kidnapping occurs amid escalating security challenges in Oyo State. Just weeks earlier, on May 15, 2026, over 40 teachers and students were abducted during a raid in the Oriire Local Government Area. Additionally, in December 2025, an APC chieftain, Wale Oriade, was kidnapped from his office in Ibadan by armed operatives using a local transport vehicle.
Responding to the recent incident, the Police Public Relations Officer for Oyo State, Olayinka Ayanlade, stated that while the command is aware of the reports, they are still working to independently verify the details.