PA allegedly leaked family movements as police rescue ex-minister’s sister and her twin sons, neutralise two suspects in operation

The Oyo State Police Command has alleged that a personal assistant attached to the family of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, played a key role in the abduction of his sister, Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, and her 12-year-old twin sons.

Police spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed the development while giving an update on the high-profile kidnapping case that has drawn public attention in Ibadan.

Mrs John-Paul and her sons, Peter and Paul, were abducted on June 3, 2026, in the Elewura area of Ring Road while she was driving them to school. The victims were, however, rescued unharmed during a coordinated police operation that led to the killing of two suspected kidnappers.

According to Ayanlade, the rescue mission was executed on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police and coordinated by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, with support from operatives of the Force Intelligence Department’s Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT).

He revealed that a key suspect, identified as Ololu, had long been on the police watch list and was tracked before his eventual arrest. Intelligence gathered from his interrogation led to the arrest of another suspect, Dare, also known as Solution.

Investigators further uncovered what appears to be an insider link to the crime. The police alleged that a personal assistant to the family, identified as Shehu, provided critical information about the household’s routine, movements, and lifestyle, which aided the kidnappers in planning the operation.

“The suspect was familiar with the family and was reportedly approached to supply inside details, which significantly influenced the execution of the crime,” Ayanlade said.

Police said the kidnappers initially planned to abduct the children’s mother after studying the family’s routine. However, the plan shifted when they realised a driver typically took the children to school. On the day of the incident, the mother drove them herself, creating the opportunity the suspects acted on.

The victims were traced to a hideout in Ibadan on June 6, during an evening operation. During the rescue, one of the suspects, identified as Kelechi, who allegedly travelled from Lagos to participate in the crime, engaged security operatives before he and another accomplice were neutralised.

Weapons were recovered at the scene, while the victims were rescued without injuries.

The police said several suspects are currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to track down others who remain at large. Authorities also confirmed that investigations are continuing to uncover the full network behind the abduction.