The camp of former Minister of Power and 2027 governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has strongly refuted allegations connecting his Personal Assistant, Ajiboye Sangogade, to the recent kidnapping of Adelabu's younger sister and her twin sons. The camp described the claims as false, malicious, and politically driven.
Statement from Adelabu's Media Aide
In a statement released in Ibadan on Wednesday, Adelabu's media aide, Femi Awogboro, warned those circulating the allegations to stop immediately or face legal repercussions. Awogboro emphasized that Sangogade had no involvement whatsoever in the abduction of Mrs. Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, Adelabu's younger sister, and her twin sons, Peter and Paul, who were seized in Ibadan earlier this month. He asserted that attempts to link Sangogade to the incident were deliberate efforts to tarnish his reputation and gain political advantage.
“It has come to our notice that some individuals, who are enemies of progress and of Oyo State, are peddling unfounded rumours that Ajiboye Sangogade orchestrated the kidnapping of Adelabu’s sister and nephews. These allegations are false, malicious, and completely unsubstantiated. Those behind them should desist forthwith or be prepared to face legal consequences,” Awogboro stated.
Police Statement Exonerates Sangogade
Awogboro pointed out that the recent briefing by the Oyo State Police Command on the abduction case clearly cleared Sangogade, noting that his name was not mentioned among the suspects arrested in connection with the crime. He challenged those spreading the claims to identify any part of the police statement where Sangogade was linked to the kidnapping.
“The Police Public Relations Officer only mentioned one Segun in connection with the case. At no point was Sangogade named or implicated in the police investigation. The lies and fabricated stories have already been exposed by the police account of the incident. Unfortunately, some people are determined to politicise every issue for personal gain,” he said.
Previous False Allegations
Awogboro recalled that the same individuals had previously alleged that Adelabu planned to impose Sangogade as the APC candidate for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election, a claim that was disproved when the party eventually selected another candidate. “This is not the first time they have resorted to spreading falsehoods. We therefore urge party members and the general public not to fall for their tricks and propaganda,” he added.
Describing Sangogade as a man of impeccable character and proven integrity, Awogboro insisted that he had no knowledge of or involvement in the criminal act. “We reject these claims in their entirety because we know Sangogade does not have any link to the incident as being speculated. Any further attempt to malign his image and reputation will be resisted, and appropriate legal steps will be taken against those responsible,” he said.
Details of the Kidnapping
Mrs. John-Paul and her twin sons were abducted by gunmen at Elewura area of Challenge in Ibadan South-West Local Government Area on June 3 after the attackers reportedly trailed their vehicle and intercepted them. The Oyo State Police Command subsequently arrested four suspects in connection with the crime. While parading the suspects at the Police Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan, Commissioner of Police, Oluwagbemiga Abimbola, urged residents to remain vigilant and assist security agencies with credible information that could lead to the arrest of other fleeing members of the syndicate.
Items recovered from the suspects included three pump-action rifles, 14 live cartridges, an ash-coloured Toyota Corolla allegedly used for the operation, criminal charms, a battle axe, a hammer, substances suspected to be hard drugs and two face masks. Following the arrests, the Oyo State Government demolished a building allegedly linked to the criminal activities and revoked the property’s title as part of efforts to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.
