The younger sister of former Minister of Power and leading All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons have been kidnapped by armed men in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The incident, which has caused concern among residents and political associates of Adelabu, occurred on Wednesday morning in the Challenge area of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area.
The victims were identified as Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, 43, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul.
The family confirmed the abduction in a statement issued by one of Adelabu’s media aides, Femi Awogboro. According to the statement, the victims were kidnapped at about 7:30 a.m. while Mrs. John-Paul was taking her children to school.
The statement said armed gunmen intercepted the family and forcefully took away the mother and her two children.
“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,” the statement said.
It added that Mrs. John-Paul, the youngest of the five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu, had a distinguished career in the financial sector before her retirement.
According to the family, she worked at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and later at First Bank Pension Custodian before voluntarily retiring last year.
Following her retirement, she relocated to Ibadan with her children while making plans to eventually reunite with her husband, Mr. John Paul, who had earlier moved to the United States.
The family said security agencies were immediately informed after the incident and have since launched efforts to rescue the victims and track down the kidnappers.
“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,” the statement noted.
The family expressed confidence in the ability of security agencies to secure the safe release of the victims.
“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 statement added.
The family also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading rumours or unverified information that could interfere with ongoing investigations.
It urged residents and members of the public with useful information about the whereabouts of the victims or the activities of the kidnappers to promptly report such information to security agencies through appropriate channels.
The statement further called on Nigerians to remember the victims in their prayers and support the family during what it described as a difficult and painful period.
“The family will continue to cooperate fully with security authorities and will provide further updates as events unfold,” it said.
The abduction has once again drawn attention to the growing challenge of kidnapping and violent crime in different parts of the country.
In recent years, kidnappings for ransom have become a major security concern across Nigeria. Criminal gangs have increasingly targeted travellers, business people, students, community leaders and relatives of prominent individuals.
Although security agencies have recorded some successes in rescuing victims and dismantling criminal groups, incidents of abduction continue to occur in both urban and rural areas.
Oyo State has not been completely spared from the challenge. While authorities have repeatedly assured residents of improved security measures, several kidnapping incidents have been reported in different parts of the state over the years.
The latest incident is expected to increase calls for stronger security surveillance and intelligence gathering, particularly in major cities and communities where residents have raised concerns about safety.
Adelabu, a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and former Minister of Power, remains one of the prominent figures in Oyo State politics. He has been actively involved in political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election in the state.
As news of the abduction spread on Wednesday, supporters, associates and residents expressed shock over the development and joined the family in calling for the safe return of the victims.
At the time of filing this report, there was no official confirmation from security authorities on whether contact had been established with the kidnappers or whether any ransom demand had been made.
Security operatives, however, are said to be pursuing leads as investigations continue.
Residents and well-wishers across the state are hoping for a swift and safe rescue of Mrs. John-Paul and her twin sons, while authorities intensify efforts to bring those behind the abduction to justice.