Kidnapped Ex-Minister’s Sister, Children Regain Freedom in Police Operation

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have rescued the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her two children following a late-night operation in Oyo State.

 

The victims, identified as Olaide John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, were rescued unharmed, while two suspected kidnappers were killed and two others arrested during the operation.

 

John-Paul and her children were abducted on June 3, 2026, while on their way to school in Ibadan. The kidnappers reportedly trailed the family from their residence before intercepting and abducting them.

 

A source familiar with the operation said the victims were being held in the Oleyo area of Ibadan, where some members of the gang had been assigned to guard them while others lodged in a hotel.

 

According to the source, police operatives tracked the vehicle used in the abduction, leading to the successful rescue mission.

 

“Yes, they were rescued in Ibadan. The kidnappers kept the victims at Oleyo and left some people behind to monitor them while they went to lodge in a hotel. The police tracked the vehicle used for the operation. They killed two of the kidnappers and arrested two others,” the source said.

 

In a statement, Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, quoted the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, as confirming the rescue.

 

“The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State has confirmed that the abducted victims have been rescued and are safe, healthy and unharmed,” the statement read.

 

“We express our sincere appreciation to the police and other security agencies, the media, political associates and all stakeholders for their concern, support and efforts during this period. Further details will be provided as they become available.”

 

The Oyo State Police Command also confirmed the development.

 

Police spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the victims had been rescued and assured that further details of the operation would be released in due course.