“How We Planned Adelabu’s Sister’s Kidnap” — Suspects Reveal Shocking Details

Fresh details have emerged on how suspects involved in the abduction of Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke, sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, allegedly planned and executed the operation in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The suspects, now in police custody, gave disturbing accounts of surveillance, coordination, and execution of the attack that also targeted her twin sons.

Their confessions followed a coordinated rescue operation by the police which led to the release of the victims at Lako Community along Ayegun-Olomi Road.

Security sources said the operation was tracked through intelligence-led efforts after weeks of monitoring suspected gang movements in parts of Ibadan.

Among those arrested is Segun Balogun, also known as “Alawaye,” a motor park driver at Iwo Road who allegedly served as the driver during the kidnapping operation. Others include the alleged gang leader, Adewale Abolarinwa, popularly called “Oloro,” and an auto technician, Dare Oyedele, known as “Solution.”

Investigators say the gang began planning the abduction as early as May 5, mounting surveillance on the victims’ residence, studying school runs, security routines, and movement patterns of the household.

A key suspect, “Solution,” was reportedly responsible for tracking the children’s movement to and from school and providing detailed intelligence on the family’s daily routine. He allegedly observed vehicle patterns, gate operations, and timing of movements around the residence.

In one of the intercepted conversations, he reportedly described the children’s school environment and noted security gaps that could be exploited. Police sources also said he helped secure a building later used as a holding location for victims.

Segun, the driver, narrated how he was drawn into the operation through long-standing acquaintance with Oloro in the transport union. He said he was initially unaware of the full intent until days before the operation.

According to him, the final decision to abduct the family was made shortly before execution, with roles assigned among the gang members.

A chilling part of his confession revealed how the target was selected.

“Oloro asked me if Adebayo Adelabu still had a mother, and I said yes. He asked me again about where she was living and I told him — Suspect”

He added that he was instructed to follow the victims’ vehicle and block it during the operation.

“On Wednesday, we parked and waited for the car conveying the children to school. When we saw it, Oloro told me to follow it and block it. They came down and bundled the mother and children into the car,” he said.

Police sources confirmed that three suspects used masks during the operation, while firearms, including pump-action guns, were allegedly used to intimidate victims.

Another suspect, “Solution,” admitted he joined the operation after being promised payment, claiming he was responsible for logistics and coordination during movements across Ibadan.

He also confessed that he was handed weapons ahead of the operation and participated in abducting the victims from their vehicle.

The gang allegedly moved the victims to a hideout in Lako Community, where ransom negotiations were reportedly handled by other members not present at the scene.

Security operatives later tracked the suspects following intercepted communications and surveillance breakthroughs. The arrests reportedly began after Segun was picked up during a routine inquiry, which later exposed deeper links to the kidnapping network.

Police say digital evidence recovered from phones played a major role in linking the suspects to the crime, including messages referencing weapons procurement and operational planning.

Commissioner of Police in Oyo State confirmed that coordinated tactical teams were deployed to rescue the victims and dismantle the gang, adding that the operation followed directives from the Force Intelligence Department and Intelligence Response Team.

Residents of Podo and Ayegun communities expressed shock over the involvement of individuals known in their neighbourhoods as mechanics and transport workers, describing the revelations as disturbing.

Further investigations revealed that “Oloro” had previously been linked to kidnapping cases and had faced earlier arrest and bail conditions before allegedly returning to crime.

Security officials also disclosed that additional weapons, including a pump-action gun, were recovered during searches of suspects’ residences.

Nonetheless, the suspects are currently undergoing further interrogation as police continue efforts to identify other members of the gang and possible collaborators.