Oyo Govt Demolishes Building Used as Kidnappers’ Hideout in Adelabu’s Sister’s Abduction

The Oyo State Government has demolished a building identified as a hideout used by kidnappers who abducted the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons in Ibadan.

The demolished structure, located in Araromi Quarters, Ayegun North area of Oluyole Local Government Area, was reportedly used by the criminal gang to keep their victims after abducting them from different locations. The action followed the successful rescue of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons by security operatives.

Mrs. John-Paul and her children were kidnapped on June 3, 2026, while she was taking the boys to school in the Elewura area of Challenge, Ibadan. The incident sparked widespread concern across Oyo State and prompted intensified security operations to secure their release.

Security agencies, led by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), tracked the kidnappers through intelligence gathering, surveillance, and technical monitoring. The operation culminated in a raid on the hideout on June 6, during which the victims were rescued unharmed. Two suspected kidnappers were killed in a gun battle with security personnel, while firearms were recovered from the scene.

Speaking during an inspection of the property after the rescue operation, Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, expressed concern that the hideout had allegedly been used repeatedly by criminals without attracting reports from residents. According to him, preliminary investigations indicated that abducted victims had been brought to the location on several occasions while suspicious activities went largely unreported.

The government’s decision to demolish the building is part of broader efforts to deter criminal activities and send a strong message to individuals who provide safe havens for kidnappers and other criminal elements.

Authorities have also intensified efforts to apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate believed to have escaped during the rescue operation. Police said investigations are ongoing and that intelligence obtained from the operation has opened new leads into the activities of a wider kidnapping network operating within the state.

Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements, unusual activities, or suspected criminal hideouts to security agencies to strengthen community-based crime prevention efforts.

The rescue of Mrs. John-Paul and her sons has been widely welcomed across Oyo State, with many residents commending the security agencies for their swift and coordinated response to the high-profile abduction case.