Ex-power minister Adelabu’s sister and her children abducted in Ibadan

Ebun Emmanuel – June 3,2026

The sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and her 12-year-old twin sons have been abducted by gunmen in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The victims, Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her twin sons, Peter and Paul, were kidnapped around 7.30am on Wednesday in the Challenge area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The armed men were said to have waylaid Mrs. John-Paul’s vehicle while she was taking her children to school. The attackers reportedly forced the family out of the vehicle before whisking them away.

A media aide to Adelabu, Femi Awogboro, said the family was devastated by the development but remained hopeful that security agencies would secure the safe release of the victims.

In a statement, Awogboro said Mrs. John-Paul, 43, is the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu.

He noted that before her voluntary retirement in 2025, she had worked with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and later with First Bank Pension Custodian.

He said Mrs. John-Paul had recently relocated from Abuja to Ibadan with her children while making arrangements to join her husband, Mr. John Paul, who had earlier relocated to the United States.

“The family of Adebayo Adelabu wishes to formally confirm the unfortunate kidnapping of his younger sister, Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, alongside her twin sons, Peter and Paul,” the statement read.

Awogboro revealed that immediately after the abduction was reported, relevant security and law enforcement agencies were contacted, leading to the launch of investigations and rescue efforts.

He stated that security operatives had already commenced preliminary investigations and were working to ensure the safe return of the victims and the arrest of those behind the crime.

The statement added, “Adebayo Adelabu and the entire family are deeply distressed by this tragic development but remain confident in the capacity of the security agencies to secure the safe release of Mrs. John-Paul and her children.”

The family appealed to members of the public to avoid speculation and refrain from circulating unverified information that could compromise ongoing security operations.

It also called on Nigerians to keep the victims in their prayers and support efforts aimed at ensuring their safe return.

The family further urged anyone with useful information that could assist investigators to promptly report such information through the appropriate security channels.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed that security agencies had swung into action and investigations were ongoing.

The abduction comes barely two weeks after about 46 students and teachers were kidnapped in the Oriire Local Government Area of the state.