Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have rescued Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the younger sister of former Minister of Power and APC governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, along with her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, following a late-night operation that resulted in a gun battle with suspected kidnappers.
According to security sources, the victims were rescued alive at about 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, three days after they were abducted while travelling to school in Ibadan.
Sources disclosed that two suspected kidnappers were killed during an exchange of gunfire with police operatives, while two firearms were recovered from the criminal gang. The rescue operation was reportedly made possible through sustained intelligence gathering, tracking of the suspects’ movements, and coordinated tactical efforts by security personnel.
Police sources revealed that increasing pressure from security operatives forced the kidnappers into a confrontation, leading to the successful rescue of the victims without any injuries.
Security agencies have since launched a manhunt for other members of the kidnapping syndicate who escaped during the operation. Authorities believe some of the fleeing suspects may have sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange.
The rescue brings relief to the family after days of anxiety following the abduction of Mrs. John-Paul and her twin sons on the morning of June 3.
The 43-year-old woman was reportedly kidnapped alongside her children at about 7:30 a.m. while driving to drop them off at school in Ibadan. Witnesses described the abduction as a coordinated operation, with armed men intercepting the family and whisking them away.
A video that circulated after the incident showed a red Toyota Camry abandoned at the scene with its doors left open, as shocked residents gathered around the vehicle.
Following the abduction, the family of Adelabu confirmed the incident in a statement issued by his media aide, Comrade Femi Awogboro. The family described the development as unfortunate and assured the public that security agencies had immediately commenced efforts to secure the victims’ safe return and arrest those responsible.
Mrs. John-Paul, the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu, previously worked with the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian before voluntarily retiring last year.
According to family sources, she relocated to Ibadan with her children after retirement and was making arrangements to join her husband, Mr. John Paul, who had earlier moved to the United States. The successful rescue has now brought a positive end to what had become a major kidnapping case in Oyo State.
Watch the moment they were rescued below;
Also, Oyo Commissioner of Police visits kidnappers’ den in Lakoun, along Ayegun-Olojuoro road, Ibadan, where the sister of former Minister Adebayo Adelabu and her children were held captive. Watch the clip below;
