The Nigeria Police Force has successfully rescued Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, during an operation conducted at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.
According to police sources, two suspected kidnappers were neutralized in a shootout with operatives, and two firearms were recovered from the gang.
The victims, including Mrs. John-Paul—the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu—were abducted around 7:30 a.m. on June 3, 2026, while she was taking her children to school in Ibadan, Oyo State. Police revealed that sustained intelligence efforts and tactical pressure forced the kidnappers into a confrontation that led to the rescue. Security operatives are reportedly still searching nearby areas for other members of the syndicate, some of whom are believed to be on the run with gunshot wounds.
In a statement, Chief Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, confirmed the abduction, noting that the incident had left the family in deep distress. “We are deeply distressed by this unfortunate incident but remain hopeful that the victims will be rescued safely. We appeal to the public to remain calm, avoid speculation, and support ongoing efforts with prayers,” the family’s statement read in part.
Mrs. John-Paul is the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu, who voluntarily retired from her role at First Bank Pension Custodian in 2025 before relocating to Ibadan with her children.
Following the abduction, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde visited Chief Adelabu on Friday, assuring him that security agencies were intensifying efforts to secure the victims’ release. “Yesterday, we visited my brother, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, to commiserate with him over the kidnapping of his younger sister and her children,” the governor wrote in a post on his X handle, where he shared a video of the visit. “I assured him that the security agencies are working towards their safe return, and we discussed measures our administration is taking to further strengthen security in Oyo State.”
This incident follows closely on the heels of the abduction of over 40 students and teachers in Orire Local Government, Oyo State—a development that has sparked outrage and protests nationwide.
