Armed men kidnapped Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, sister of former Power Minister and APC gubernatorial aspirant Chief Adebayo Adelabu, alongside her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. The abduction occurred at about 7:30am in Ibadan, Oyo State, as she was on her way to drop the children at school. Witnesses and a video shared by SaharaReporters showed a red Toyota Camry left with doors ajar on a quiet street, indicating a sudden and violent disruption.
The family confirmed the incident in a statement signed by Comrade Femi Awogboro, Media Aide to Chief Adebayo Adelabu. It described the event as "unfortunate" and deeply distressing. Mrs. John-Paul, aged 43, is the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu. She retired last year after working at the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian. After retirement, she moved to Ibadan to stay with her children while preparing to join her husband, Mr. John Paul, in the United States.
The statement said security agencies were contacted immediately after the incident. Preliminary investigations have begun, and security operatives are working to rescue the victims and apprehend the suspects. The family expressed distress but said it remains hopeful that the security agencies will secure the safe return of Mrs. John-Paul and her children. It also appealed to the public to remain calm, avoid speculation, and not circulate unverified information that could interfere with rescue efforts.
Chief Adebayo Adelabu's sister was taken with her children just blocks from a school route, exposing how even elite family members are not safe from armed abductions in Ibadan. The same streets where officials campaign and families commute have become pathways for armed men to strike in daylight. If security operatives act swiftly, the victims may be recovered, but the fear lingers for every parent in the area. This is not about political status — it is about the collapse of public safety where no one is shielded.
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