Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Igboho has dismissed widespread claims linking him to the rescue of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, sister of the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, insisting that he did not lead the operation.
The denial came amid reports circulating in the public space suggesting that Igboho and his loyalists played a major role in securing the release of the victims, who were abducted on June 3 while being driven to school in Ibadan, Oyo State.
However, in a statement, Sunday Igboho clarified that he had no direct involvement in the rescue mission, stressing that the operation was carried out by the Nigeria Police Force.
According to a statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) rescued Mrs. Adegoke and her children during a coordinated operation in Ibadan at about 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.
The police said sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and tactical operations enabled officers to track the kidnappers, leading to a confrontation with the criminals. Two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded during the gun battle, while two rifles were recovered from the scene.
The victims were rescued unharmed and have since been placed in safe custody, where they are receiving medical attention and psychological support.
The Inspector-General of Police commended the professionalism and bravery of the FID-IRT operatives and other officers involved in the mission, noting that efforts had been intensified to apprehend fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate.
Preliminary intelligence indicates that some of the escaping suspects sustained gunshot injuries, with security agencies continuing manhunt operations to bring all those involved to justice.
Sunday Igboho’s clarification comes as competing narratives emerged over the successful rescue, with the activist maintaining that the credit belongs to the Nigeria Police and other security personnel who conducted the operation.
