Video: Gunmen abduct ex Power Minister’s sister, twin sons in Ibadan
Abdullateef Fowewe
Gunmen have kidnapped the younger sister of former Minister of Power and APC governorship aspirant Adebayo Adelabu, along with her 12‑year‑old twin sons, in the Elewura area of Challenge, Ibadan, police and family sources confirmed on Wednesday.
The victim, Olaide Busayo Adegoke John‑Paul, 43, was reportedly on her way to drop the twins, Peter and Paul, at school at about 7:30 a.m. when the attackers blocked her Sonata‑brand Kia, forced her out and carried her and the children away in a vehicle brought by the assailants.
An eyewitness described a scene of panic as gunmen fired sporadically to terrify residents and prevent intervention.
“Our attention was drawn to the scene by the sound of gunfire that rent the atmosphere,” the witness said.
“Business and other related activities in the area were temporarily put on hold as people scampered for safety. We later discovered that a mother of two in her late 40s, alongside her children, had been whisked away to an unknown destination by the suspected gunmen.”
In a statement confirming the abduction, Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, said the family had formally reported the incident and notified relevant security agencies.
“The family of Chief Adebayo Adelabu wishes to formally confirm the unfortunate kidnapping of his younger sister, Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John‑Paul, alongside her twin sons, Peter and Paul, in the early hours of Wednesday, 3 June 2026,” the statement read.
The statement added,“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. Efforts are currently ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible for this heinous crime.”
John‑Paul is the youngest of five children of Mrs Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu and, the family said, “until her voluntary retirement last year, she served meritoriously at both the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodial Services.”
After retiring she relocated to Ibadan while preparing to join her husband, Mr John Paul, who is said to be resident in the United States.
The family appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that might compromise rescue efforts.
“They further urged anyone with useful information that may assist security agencies in their investigation to promptly report such information through the appropriate channels,” the statement said, and asked for prayers and support from well‑meaning Nigerians.
No ransom demand or suspects have been identified.
