Police and Igboho Clash Over Alleged Role in Kidnap Victim Rescue

By Adeola Badru

The Oyo State Police Command has denied claims that Yoruba Nation activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo, better known as Sunday Igboho, was involved in the release of kidnapped victims in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State. The police say there is no official confirmation that the captives were rescued and that no evidence links Igboho to any rescue operation.

The dispute arose after Igboho issued a two‑hour ultimatum to suspected kidnappers, demanding the immediate release of abducted family members or a direct confrontation. Within minutes of the ultimatum, reports surfaced that a woman, her children and a sibling had been freed, sparking celebrations in parts of the community. Residents were seen dancing and welcoming the return of the captives after days of tension.

The abduction had initially drawn outrage when gunmen allegedly kidnapped members of a family during a midnight attack and demanded a ransom of N300 million, later reduced to N150 million during negotiations. Tension increased when allegations surfaced that a pregnant woman and a ransom courier were killed, fueling anger in the community and prompting Igboho’s intervention.

Igboho released a series of viral videos in which he accused criminal elements of turning the area into a kidnapping hotspot and warned those he believed were protecting the perpetrators. As celebrations over the alleged release spread online, the Oyo State Police Command countered the narrative, stating that there was no evidence confirming any rescue operation linked to the activist.

"The Nigeria Police Force has officially debunked claims that the hostages have been safely released," the command said, adding that the Oyo State Commissioner of Police had not confirmed Igboho’s involvement in any operation.

The Command also cautioned against relying on unverified social media reports, stressing that official investigations were still ongoing and that no operational link had been established between Igboho and the reported developments.

Police Public Relations Officer DSP Olayinka Ayanlade confirmed the position of the Command, describing the circulating reports as “unsubstantiated” and urging the public to await verified information.

As of press time, uncertainty remains over the exact circumstances surrounding the alleged release of the victims, even as reactions continue to trail the incident across Oyo State and beyond.

The post Police, Igboho clash over alleged role in rescue of kidnap victims appeared first on Vanguard News.