BREAKING: Ex-Power minister Adelabu’s sister, nephews regain freedom

Mrs Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin children who were kidnapped earlier in the week have reportedly regained their freedom.

A senior police source confirmed the development to journalists in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday night, stating that the victims were rescued.

Mrs John-Paul, who is the biological sister of Mr Adelabu, was abducted alongside her 12-year-old twin sons at Elewura-Challenge in Ibadan South West Local Government Area of Oyo State.

According to reports, the victims were kidnapped by armed men who allegedly trailed the vehicle conveying them from their residence before intercepting them around 7:30am at the scene of the incident.

Rising kidnapping concerns in Ibadan

The incident has further heightened concerns over insecurity and rising cases of abduction in parts of Ibadan and Oyo State.

The development also revived memories of the December 2025 abduction of an APC chieftain in the state, Mr Wale Oriade, who was reportedly kidnapped by armed men in Ibadan.

Mr Oriade was said to have been abducted around 7:06pm at his office located at PJ Square Shopping Complex beside the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited station at Elewure along Iyana Ajanla, Akala Expressway, New Garage, Ibadan.

Eyewitnesses had claimed the attackers arrived in a blue Micra vehicle with two occupants before forcefully whisking him away.

“The nature of the attack and the precision with which it was carried out have caused deep concern within his community,” an eyewitness reportedly said.

Security concerns persist

The abduction and eventual rescue of Mrs John-Paul and her children come amid growing public anxiety over insecurity, kidnappings and armed attacks across parts of Nigeria.

Residents and stakeholders have repeatedly called on security agencies and government authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering and improve protection for citizens.

Further details surrounding the rescue operation were still being awaited as of the time of filing this report.