Family confirms abduction of ex-Power Minister Adelabu’s sister, nephews in Ibadan

By Adejayan Gbenga

The family of former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress chieftain, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has confirmed the abduction of his younger sister, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, and her twin sons in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The confirmation was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by Chief Adelabu’s Media Aide, Comrade Femi Awogboro, who disclosed that the victims were kidnapped by armed gunmen while Mrs. John-Paul was taking her children to school.

According to the statement, the incident occurred at about 7:30 a.m. when the assailants intercepted and forcefully whisked away Mrs. John-Paul, 43, alongside her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul.

The family described the development as distressing and expressed deep concern over the safety of the victims, while appealing for calm as security agencies intensify efforts to secure their release.

Mrs. John-Paul is the youngest of the five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu. She previously worked with the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian before voluntarily retiring last year.

The statement further noted that she had relocated to Ibadan with her children while making arrangements to join her husband, Mr. John Paul, who is based in the United States.

The family disclosed that all relevant security and law enforcement agencies were immediately notified after the incident and that investigations have commenced. Security operatives have since launched coordinated efforts to rescue the victims and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

Chief Adelabu and other members of the family expressed confidence in the capacity of security agencies to secure the safe release of the victims. They urged members of the public to avoid speculation and refrain from spreading unverified information, while encouraging anyone with useful information to report through appropriate security channels.