Senator Sharafadeen Ali Denies Involvement in Kidnapping Incident
Sharafadeen Ali, the senator for Oyo South Senatorial District and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election, has firmly denied any connection to the recent abduction of Mrs. Olide Adegoke, sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu.
Ali Refutes Malicious Claims
In a statement issued through his media office and shared on social media, Ali characterized reports linking him to the kidnapping as “false, malicious, baseless, irresponsible, defamatory, and politically motivated.”
Details of the Abduction
Mrs. Adegoke was reportedly abducted on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, around 7:30 AM while driving her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, to school in Ibadan. Armed assailants intercepted her vehicle in the Eleura area, taking both her and her children hostage.
Rescue Operation and Allegations
Following an intensive search, Mrs. Adegoke was rescued on Saturday. In his statement, Ali, who recently claimed the APC governorship ticket by defeating Adebayo Adelabu in the primaries, expressed concern over the credibility of the claims against him. He pointed out that the allegations were based on unverified statements from suspects under investigation.
Condemnation of Kidnapping and Calls for Accountability
Ali emphasized that it is “irrational and illogical” to associate him with criminal activities stemming from unconfirmed accusations. The statement asserted that Ali has no ties to the crime or the individuals involved. It further criticized attempts to link campaign materials and slogans to criminal acts as part of a “desperate plan” by political adversaries aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
Public Misleading and Political Implications
Ali’s office underscored that even the reports acknowledge that no security agency has established any connection between the senator and the alleged crime. The statement condemned the actions of those disseminating unverified claims, labeling them as faceless propagandists who aim to mislead the public and destabilize the political environment.
Support for Security Measures and Continued Focus on Legislative Duties
Ali reiterated his opposition to kidnapping and all forms of crime, highlighting his ongoing commitment to bolstering security measures to protect citizens in Oyo State and across Nigeria. He urged the public to dismiss the misleading reports and avoid spreading misinformation that could hinder security investigations and incite political unrest. The senator also called on relevant security agencies to investigate the origins of these unsupported claims and hold accountable those responsible for generating fake news.
Successful Police Operation
Punch Online reported that victims were safely rescued during a coordinated operation by the Intelligence Response Team of the Nigeria Police Force in Ibadan around 7:30 PM on Saturday, June 6, 2026. During the operation, police engaged in a gunfight with the kidnappers, neutralizing two suspects and recovering a firearm.
