Inside the Adelabu Family Kidnap Plot: How Suspects Allegedly Tracked, Abducted and Held Victims for Ransom
The arrest of key suspects linked to the abduction of the sister of Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons has exposed what investigators describe as a carefully planned kidnapping operation that relied on weeks of surveillance, insider knowledge of the victims’ movements, and a network of accomplices operating within Ibadan, Oyo State.
Confessions obtained from some of the suspects have provided chilling details of how the gang allegedly selected its targets, monitored their daily routines, executed the abduction, and transported the victims to a hideout where they were held until a Police rescue operation brought their ordeal to an end.
Weeks of Surveillance Before the Strike
According to Police investigations, the plot against Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke, a sister of Adelabu, and her twin children began several weeks before the June 3 abduction.
Investigators said members of the gang allegedly commenced surveillance as early as May 5, studying the family’s movements, the route used to take the children to school, and security arrangements around the residence.
One of the arrested suspects, Dare Oyedele, popularly known as “Solution,” allegedly played a major role in intelligence gathering. Investigators said he became familiar with the children’s school, the family’s vehicle, the driver’s routine, and even the process used to open the gates of the family compound whenever the vehicle arrived.
Intercepted communications reportedly revealed discussions between gang members about the timing of the operation and their determination to strike before circumstances changed.
Police sources disclosed that the gang had originally considered abducting Adelabu’s elderly mother but later shifted focus to the twins, believing their abduction would yield a substantial ransom.
Driver Turned Alleged Kidnap Accomplice
One of the most startling revelations came from Segun Balogun, popularly known as Alawaye, a commercial driver who operated around the Iwo Road motor park in Ibadan.
Known among colleagues as a regular transporter of passengers, Balogun allegedly concealed his involvement in criminal activities while maintaining his public image as a commercial driver.
During interrogation, he admitted that his long-standing friendship with the alleged gang leader, Adewale Abolarinwa, popularly known as Oloro, eventually drew him into the kidnapping operation.
According to Balogun, he had known Oloro for over a decade through transport union activities. Despite being aware of Oloro’s previous encounters with law enforcement, he maintained contact with him after the suspect returned to Ibadan.
Balogun claimed that sometime in May, Oloro asked him whether Adelabu’s mother was still alive and where she lived. He later drove Oloro to the family residence, where the alleged gang leader surveyed the environment.
It was during that visit, Balogun alleged, that Oloro disclosed plans to kidnap a member of the Adelabu family.
The suspect told investigators that financial hardship and promises of monetary reward persuaded him to participate in the operation.
How the Abduction Was Carried Out
Balogun allegedly served as the getaway driver on the day of the kidnapping.
According to his statement, he joined Oloro and two other gang members near the Soka area of Ibadan before proceeding toward the location where the victims would be intercepted.
The suspects reportedly waited for the vehicle conveying the twins before trailing it.
Balogun claimed that upon sighting the targeted vehicle, Oloro ordered him to overtake and block the car.
Armed gang members allegedly emerged, smashed a side window, forced the mother and her children out of their vehicle, and bundled them into the kidnappers’ car.
The victims were then transported to a hideout in the Ayegun area of Ibadan.
Balogun said fear overwhelmed him after the operation and that he struggled to eat afterward, surviving mostly on water while worrying about the consequences of his actions.
Police Investigation Uncovers Critical Evidence
The breakthrough in the case reportedly came when security operatives intensified efforts to track Oloro, who had already been on the radar of law enforcement agencies because of previous kidnapping allegations.
While questioning Balogun about Oloro’s whereabouts, investigators reportedly observed him attempting to delete information from his phone.
A subsequent examination allegedly uncovered messages relating to the purchase of firearms and communications involving the gang leader.
Initially detained over the suspicious communications, Balogun’s alleged involvement in the kidnapping only became fully apparent after investigators connected him to the operation.
His arrest eventually led authorities closer to other members of the gang.
The Safe House and Alleged Weapons Cache
Police investigations further revealed that Solution allegedly assisted the gang in securing a residence used to hold kidnapping victims.
Authorities said he helped arrange the rental of the property through a caretaker, transforming it into what investigators described as a kidnappers’ den.
Searches conducted during the investigation reportedly led to the recovery of firearms, including pump-action guns.
Law enforcement officials said multiple weapons were seized from locations linked to the suspects.
Investigators also discovered that Solution owned properties within the Ayegun community and allegedly maintained close knowledge of activities around the area.
“I Had a Good Business” – Suspect Speaks
During questioning, Solution maintained that he had an established automobile repair business and did not initially see himself becoming involved in criminal activity.
The suspect admitted accompanying Oloro on several unexplained movements around Ibadan before eventually participating in the kidnapping operation.
He alleged that Oloro supplied weapons and directed the operation while other members carried out specific roles.
According to his account, he wore a mask during the attack while armed gang members used firearms to intimidate the victims.
He further claimed that he never knew the exact ransom amount demanded from the family and was still waiting to learn what his share would be when police arrested him.
Expressing regret, he said he hoped never to become involved in criminal activity again if given another chance.
Rescue Operation and Arrests
The victims regained their freedom after a coordinated rescue operation carried out by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) and tactical teams from the Oyo State Police Command.
The operation followed directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
Police successfully rescued Mrs. Adegoke and her twin sons from captivity at Lako Community along the Ayegun-Olomi Road axis of Ibadan.
Authorities subsequently arrested several suspects, including Balogun, Solution and the alleged gang leader, Oloro.
Police also reported that two suspected gang members were neutralised during security operations linked to the case.
A Criminal Past Returns to Haunt the Gang Leader
Investigators say Oloro was no stranger to law enforcement.
Records indicate that he was previously arrested and paraded by the Oyo State Police Command in 2022 over alleged involvement in kidnapping activities across Oyo and Ogun states.
Following prosecution and detention, he reportedly secured release under circumstances that remain unclear.
Authorities now believe he resumed criminal activities after regaining freedom, eventually emerging as the alleged mastermind behind the Adelabu family kidnapping.
Police sources further revealed that charms and other items believed to be associated with traditional fortification practices were recovered from the suspect during his arrest.
Renewed Concern Over Kidnapping in Southwest Nigeria
The case has reignited concerns about the growing sophistication of kidnapping networks operating in parts of Southwest Nigeria.
Security experts note that many recent abductions have involved extended surveillance, local intelligence gathering and carefully coordinated logistics, making prevention increasingly difficult.
However, the successful rescue of the victims and swift arrests have been hailed as a major breakthrough for security agencies and a demonstration of the value of intelligence-led policing.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to prosecute all suspects connected to the operation while expanding inquiries into possible collaborators and other unsolved kidnapping cases linked to the gang.
Credit: Nigerian Tribune
