The Nigeria Police Force has reportedly found no evidence linking Oyo State APC governorship aspirant, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, to the abduction of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, and her 11-year-old twin sons.

Sources familiar with the ongoing investigation said findings by the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) instead point to suspects allegedly connected to Mr. Ajiboye Sangogade, a Personal Assistant to Chief Adelabu.

Mrs. Adegoke and her sons, Peter and Paul, were abducted on June 3, 2026, while on their way to school in Ibadan. They were rescued by police operatives on June 6 during a tactical operation at a hideout in the Lado area of Ayegun, Ibadan.

According to police reports, two suspected kidnappers were killed during a gun battle with operatives. Items recovered from the scene included three pump-action rifles, 14 live cartridges, an unregistered Toyota Corolla allegedly used in the operation, charms, a battle axe, a hammer, suspected hard drugs and face masks.

During a police briefing following the rescue, exhibits recovered from the suspects were displayed. Security sources said no materials linking the syndicate to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or Senator Alli were found among the recovered items.

Police have arrested several suspects in connection with the crime, including Wale Abolalewa, also known as “Oloro”; Dare Oyedele, alias “Solution”; Semiu Ishola, 39; and Adeyemi Ayobami, 35. Investigators said the suspects played various roles in the planning, surveillance and execution of the kidnapping.

Two other suspects, identified as Kelechi and another gang member, were killed during the rescue operation after allegedly opening fire on police officers.

Meanwhile, a voice note currently being examined by investigators has surfaced online. The recording, allegedly involving a woman said to be associated with Mr. Sangogade, purportedly discusses efforts to link the kidnapping to Senator Alli. Police have not officially commented on the authenticity of the recording.

An aide to Chief Adelabu, who spoke anonymously, had earlier described the incident as an insider operation and named certain individuals allegedly connected to the gang. Investigators also revealed that the kidnappers reportedly conducted surveillance on the victims’ family, photographed vehicles and school environments, and allegedly attempted to recruit a household staff member before carrying out the abduction.

The Oyo State Police Command said efforts were ongoing to arrest fleeing suspects, some of whom may have sustained gunshot wounds during the operation. The command has urged hospitals and clinics to report anyone seeking treatment for suspicious bullet injuries.

A senior police officer said investigations were continuing to identify and apprehend all those connected to the crime.

Following the rescue, Senator Alli congratulated Chief Adelabu on the safe return of his sister and nephews and commended security agencies for their efforts. He also urged the police to ensure that all suspects are prosecuted and called for intensified efforts to secure the release of teachers and students recently abducted in parts of Ogbomoso.