The senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Sharafadeen Alli, who is also the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate for the 2027 elections in Oyo State, has firmly denied any involvement in the abduction of Mrs Olaide Adegoke, the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu.
Mrs Adegoke was kidnapped on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at about 7:30 a.m. while she was taking her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, to school in Ibadan. Armed men reportedly blocked her vehicle in the Elewura area and whisked her and the children away. All victims were later rescued on Saturday.
Reacting to social media reports linking him to the incident, Alli described the claims as unfounded and politically driven. In a statement issued by his media office and shared via his X handle on Sunday, he rejected the allegations in strong terms.
The statement said the reports were “false, malicious, baseless, irresponsible, defamatory, and politically motivated.”
It further argued that attempts to associate him with the incident were based on unverified claims allegedly made by a suspect under investigation, stressing that such conclusions were unreasonable.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Senator Alli has no connection whatsoever with the said criminal incident, the individuals mentioned, or any activity related to kidnapping or violence,” the statement read.
The senator’s office maintained that linking campaign materials or stickers to criminal activity formed part of a deliberate effort by political opponents to damage his reputation.
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“We note with concern that even the report itself admitted that no security agency has established any link between Senator Alli and the alleged crime.
“It is therefore disturbing that faceless propagandists would deliberately weaponise unconfirmed claims to mislead the public and heat up the polity,” the statement added.
Alli also condemned kidnapping and other violent crimes, reaffirming his support for security agencies and ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property across Oyo State and Nigeria.
The statement urged the public to disregard the allegations and avoid spreading misinformation that could interfere with investigations or heighten political tensions. It also called on security agencies to identify and prosecute those behind what it described as fake news and political blackmail.
It further noted that the senator remains focused on his legislative responsibilities and service to the people of Oyo State.
Meanwhile, security operatives later rescued the victims unharmed on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at about 7:30 p.m., during a coordinated operation carried out by the Nigeria Police Force’s Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team in Ibadan.
During the operation, police engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel, killing two suspects and recovering firearms.