The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has denied allegations linking him to the abduction of Mrs. Olaide Adegoke, the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.
Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District in the Senate, described reports circulating on social media as false, malicious and politically motivated.
In a statement issued by his media office on Sunday, the senator dismissed claims that he had any connection to the kidnapping, insisting that neither he nor his associates were involved in the incident.
“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 said.
Mrs. Adegoke was abducted alongside her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, on June 3 while driving the children to school in the Elewura area of Ibadan. Armed men reportedly intercepted their vehicle and took them hostage. The victims were later rescued during a police operation on June 6.
The allegations emerged amid heightened political tensions following the APC governorship primary, in which Alli defeated Adelabu to secure the party’s ticket for the 2027 governorship election. According to the senator’s media office, attempts to link him to the crime were based on unverified claims allegedly made by a suspect under investigation and had not been substantiated by any security agency.
Alli’s office further argued that reports associating campaign materials or political stickers with the kidnapping were part of efforts by political opponents to tarnish his reputation.
“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,” the statement added.
The lawmaker condemned kidnapping and other violent crimes, reiterating his support for measures aimed at improving security and protecting lives and property across Oyo State and the country. He also urged the public to disregard what he described as misinformation capable of undermining ongoing investigations and creating unnecessary political tension.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the rescue of Mrs. Adegoke and her twin sons following a coordinated operation in Ibadan. Police authorities said operatives engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle, neutralised two suspects and recovered firearms during the rescue mission.
The incident has continued to attract public attention in Oyo State, given the political rivalry between Alli and Adelabu ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
