The senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Sharafadeen Alli, has strongly denied allegations linking him to the abduction of Mrs Olaide Adegoke, the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, describing the claims as malicious propaganda aimed at tarnishing his image and destabilising the political atmosphere in Oyo State.
Alli, who recently emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State after defeating Adelabu in the party primaries, said reports circulating on social media connecting him to the kidnap incident were entirely false and politically motivated. The lawmaker made his position known in a statement issued by his media office and published on his X handle on Sunday, insisting that he had no connection whatsoever with the abduction saga.
According to the statement, the allegations were not only reckless and defamatory but also formed part of a deliberate attempt by political enemies to drag his name into a criminal matter for selfish interests. “All insinuations linking Senator Sharafadeen Alli to the unfortunate abduction of Mrs Olaide Adegoke are false, malicious, baseless, irresponsible and politically motivated,” the statement read.
The senator maintained that the claims lacked credibility and were allegedly built around unverified statements reportedly made by a suspect currently under investigation by security agencies. He warned against the growing trend of spreading unsubstantiated claims on social media, especially on sensitive matters involving criminal investigations and public safety.
The controversy followed the dramatic abduction of Mrs Adegoke and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, in Ibadan earlier in the week. The victims were reportedly kidnapped around 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, while Mrs Adegoke was driving the children to school. Sources said armed gunmen intercepted her vehicle in the Elewura area of Ibadan, forcing the occupants out before whisking them away to an unknown destination.
The incident immediately sparked tension across Oyo State, especially within political circles and among supporters of Adelabu, who remains a major political figure in the state despite losing the APC governorship ticket. Following the abduction, security agencies reportedly launched coordinated rescue efforts while family members and associates anxiously awaited contact from the kidnappers.
For days, uncertainty surrounded the fate of the victims, with reports indicating that the abductors had yet to establish communication with the family. Relief eventually came on Saturday when news broke that Mrs Adegoke and the two children had regained freedom after security operatives intensified rescue operations.
Although authorities have yet to disclose full details surrounding the rescue, the development was welcomed by residents and political stakeholders across the state. However, shortly after the victims’ release, social media platforms became flooded with allegations and conspiracy theories attempting to link prominent political actors to the incident.
Some online commentators allegedly referenced claims purportedly made by a suspect in custody, leading to speculation about possible political undertones behind the kidnapping. It was against this backdrop that Alli issued his rebuttal, distancing himself completely from the matter and accusing unnamed individuals of weaponising falsehood for political advantage.
The senator stressed that he had always maintained a clean political record and would never associate himself with violence, criminality or acts capable of threatening public peace. He also urged members of the public to exercise caution and avoid spreading rumours capable of undermining ongoing investigations or inflaming political tensions within the state.
“All responsible citizens should refrain from circulating unverified information capable of misleading the public and heating up the polity,” the statement added. Political observers say the incident has further exposed the growing tension within the Oyo State chapter of the APC following the recently concluded governorship primaries.
The contest between Alli and Adelabu had generated intense political interest across the state, with supporters on both sides engaging in fierce campaigns ahead of the primary election. Alli’s emergence as the APC flagbearer for the 2027 governorship election was seen as a major shift in the party’s internal power dynamics, especially given Adelabu’s longstanding influence in Oyo politics.
Analysts believe the latest controversy could deepen existing divisions within the party if not carefully managed by leaders and stakeholders. Meanwhile, supporters of the senator have also rallied behind him, condemning attempts to associate him with the kidnapping and describing the allegations as desperate political blackmail.
They argued that criminal incidents should not be exploited for partisan battles, insisting that security matters require responsible handling and factual reporting. As investigations continue, many residents of Oyo State have called on security agencies to thoroughly probe the circumstances surrounding the abduction and ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.
The incident has once again highlighted growing concerns over insecurity and kidnapping in parts of the country, with citizens urging authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering and improve response mechanisms against criminal gangs.
For now, attention remains focused on the outcome of investigations as political stakeholders await further clarification from security authorities regarding the identities and motives of those behind the abduction.
