The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed claims that Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, played any role in the alleged release of kidnapped victims in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Reacting to viral videos and social media reports, the police said there was no official confirmation that the victims had been rescued and maintained that there was no evidence linking Igboho to any rescue operation.
The controversy followed Igboho’s issuance of a two-hour ultimatum to suspected kidnappers and alleged accomplices, demanding the immediate release of abducted family members.
Shortly after the ultimatum, reports emerged that the victims, including a woman, her children and a sibling, had regained freedom, leading to celebrations in parts of the community.
The victims were reportedly abducted during a midnight attack, with the kidnappers initially demanding N300 million before reducing the ransom to N150 million.
In viral videos, Igboho accused criminal elements of turning the area into a kidnapping hotspot and warned those he believed were shielding the perpetrators.
However, the Oyo State Police Command insisted 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 stated, adding that the Oyo State Commissioner of Police had not confirmed Igboho’s involvement in any operation.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, described the circulating reports as unsubstantiated and urged the public to await verified information.
As of the time of filing this report, uncertainty remained over the exact circumstances surrounding the alleged release of the victims, while investigations continued.
