Dare Babalola
The family of former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has confirmed the abduction of his younger sister, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, alongside her twin sons, Peter and Paul, in Ibadan.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Femi Awogboro, Media Aide to Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the family said Mrs. John-Paul, aged 43, was kidnapped in the early hours of June 3, 2026, at about 7:30 a.m. while on her way to drop her children at school.
The attackers also reportedly abducted her 12-year-old twin sons, who were with her at the time of the incident.
The family noted that Mrs. John-Paul is the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu.
It added that she had worked with both the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian before voluntarily retiring last year.
According to the statement, she had recently relocated to Ibadan with her children while making plans to join her husband, Mr. John Paul, who had earlier moved to the United States.
The family further disclosed that security agencies have been alerted and have commenced investigations into the incident, expressing confidence in ongoing efforts to secure the victims’ release.
“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 said.
It added that efforts were underway to rescue the victims and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
“Efforts are currently ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible for this heinous crime,” it added.
The family expressed deep distress over the development but appealed for calm and public support, urging Nigerians to avoid speculation and unverified reports that could affect security operations.
“Chief 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,” the statement said.
They also called on members of the public with useful information to assist security agencies through appropriate channels.
