Police kills two, including Kelechi, arrests four suspects over kidnap of Adelabu’s sister, twin sons

By OUR REPORTER, Ibadan

“Interestingly”, a first respondent who witnessed the parading and said he did not mean to join in ethno-religious profiling that some Christian pastors and Yoruba people have done against Islam and Fulani in the Oyo kidnap cases, anonymously told Our Reporter that “no Fulani were among them, and Christians were on the list: 1. Kelechi (Igbo); 2. Dare Oyedele (Yoruba); 3. Wale Abolalewa (Yoruba); 4. Semiu Ishola (Yoruba), and 5. Adeyemi Ayobami (Yoruba).”

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested four suspects and killed two others, including a man identified as Kelechi, in connection with the kidnapping of Mrs. Busola Adegoke John-Paul, sister of former Minister of Power Bayo Adelabu, and her twin sons.

The suspects were paraded on Sunday June 7, 2026 at the Oyo State Police Command Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, by the Commissioner of Police, CP Oluwagbemiga Abimbola, who also called on residents to assist security agencies by reporting fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate.

Items recovered during the operation included three pump-action rifles, 14 live cartridges, an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla allegedly used in the abduction, criminal charms, a battle axe, a hammer, substances suspected to be hard drugs, and two face masks.

“Interestingly”, a first respondent who witnessed the suspects parading and said he did not mean to join in ethno-religious profiling that some Christian pastors and Yoruba people have done against Islam and Fulani in the Oyo kidnap cases, anonymously told Our Reporter that “no Fulani were among them, and Christians were on the list: 1. Kelechi (Igbo); 2. Dare Oyedele (Yoruba); 3. Wale Abolalewa (Yoruba); 4. Semiu Ishola (Yoruba), and 5. Adeyemi Ayobami (Yoruba).”

This is also as suspected already arrested, reportedly, in connection with kidnap of the school children in the state are also non-Fulani but most Yoruba people thus sparking criticisms that the Ngbati Press have downplayed what usually should be viral and outrageous reportage had it been other way round.

Giving details, the police said the victims were abducted on June 3, 2026, at about 7:30 a.m. along Elewura Street, off Ring Road in Ibadan, while Mrs. John-Paul was taking her children to school. Investigators said the kidnappers had allegedly monitored the family’s movements and activities for several weeks before carrying out the attack.

CP Abimbola said the rescue operation was launched on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police and involved operatives from the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team, the Oyo State Police Command, and other tactical units of the Nigeria Police Force.

He disclosed that the investigation led to the arrest of Wale Abolalewa, also known as “Oloro,” who was already on the police watchlist. Further intelligence resulted in the arrest of another suspected gang member, Dare Oyedele, alias “Solution.”

The commissioner said information obtained from the suspects, alongside digital evidence, helped security operatives locate the gang’s hideout at Araromi Quarters, Ayegun North, in Oluyole Local Government Area.

During a coordinated raid on the hideout on June 6, police operatives reportedly came under fire from a suspect identified as Kelechi, who was acting as a lookout for the gang.

“Upon sighting the operatives, one of the gang members, identified as Kelechi, opened fire on the police team. Our operatives responded and successfully neutralised him and another unidentified member of the syndicate,” Abimbola said.

The police confirmed that the victims were rescued unharmed and reunited with their family following the operation.

Two additional suspects, Semiu Ishola, 39, and Adeyemi Ayobami, 35, were subsequently arrested for allegedly providing logistical support and facilitating the use of the hideout.

The commissioner noted that several members of the gang escaped during the raid and may have sustained gunshot wounds. He appealed to residents, healthcare providers, private hospitals, and traditional bone setters to report anyone seeking treatment for suspicious gunshot injuries.

Abimbola assured residents that investigations and manhunt operations were ongoing and pledged that all members of the kidnapping syndicate would be apprehended and prosecuted.

He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, stressing that community cooperation remains vital to effective crime prevention and law enforcement.