By Our Reporter
Sharafadeen Alli, Senator, representing Oyo South Senatorial District, has firmly denied allegations linking him to the abduction of Olaide Adegoke, the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu.
Alli described reports circulating on social media connecting him to the kidnapping as false, malicious, defamatory and politically motivated, insisting that he has no relationship with the crime or any individuals involved.
The senator’s position was contained in a statement issued by his media office and shared on his X account on Sunday.
Mrs. Adegoke was kidnapped on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, while driving her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, to school in Ibadan. The gunmen reportedly intercepted her vehicle in the Elewura area of the city and abducted the trio.
They were, however, rescued unharmed on Saturday during a coordinated operation by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force’s Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team.
In the statement, Alli, who recently emerged as the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate for the 2027 Oyo State election after defeating Adelabu in the party’s primary, dismissed attempts to associate him with 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.
The lawmaker’s media office argued that efforts to link campaign materials or political stickers to the crime formed part of a deliberate attempt by political opponents to damage his reputation.
According to the statement, even reports carrying the allegations acknowledged that no security agency had established any connection between the senator and the criminal act.
“It is therefore disturbing that faceless propagandists would deliberately weaponise unconfirmed claims to mislead the public and heat up the polity,” the statement added.
Alli reaffirmed his condemnation of kidnapping and other violent crimes, noting that he has consistently supported initiatives aimed at strengthening security and protecting lives and property in Oyo State and across Nigeria.
The statement urged the public to disregard the allegations and avoid spreading unverified information capable of undermining ongoing investigations or creating unnecessary political tension.
It also called on security agencies to trace the origin of the claims and ensure that individuals responsible for disseminating false information and engaging in political blackmail are brought to justice.
The senator further stated that he remains focused on his legislative responsibilities and commitment to the development of Oyo State.
The victims were rescued on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at about 7:30 p.m. during a police operation in Ibadan. Security operatives engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle, neutralising two suspects and recovering firearms from the scene.
