Senator Alli rejected the kidnapping charges after Adelabu’s sister regained her freedom

Senator Sharafadeen Alli has categorically rejected allegations linking him to the kidnapping of Mrs Olaide Adegoke, younger sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and described the claims as a calculated attempt to tarnish his reputation and inflame political tensions in Oyo State.

The lawmaker, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District and recently emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the 2027 elections in Oyo State, issued the denial following social media reports seeking to link him to the kidnapping incident.

Mrs Adegoke was abducted on the morning of June 3, 2026, while dropping her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, to school in Ibadan. The assailants reportedly intercepted their vehicle in the Elewura area and took the three hostage.

The victims were finally rescued unharmed on Saturday, June 6, during a coordinated security operation carried out by the Intelligence Response team of the Nigerian Police Force Intelligence Department.

According to police reports, security personnel exchanged fire with the kidnappers, neutralized two suspects and recovered firearms during the rescue mission.

Reacting to attempts to link him to the crime, Alli, through a statement issued by his media office and published on his X account on Sunday, described the allegations as “false, malicious, baseless, irresponsible, defamatory and politically motivated.”

The statement noted that the report lacks credibility and is allegedly based on unverified claims attributed to suspects currently under investigation.

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It further said that attempts to link the senator to the crime are absurd and not supported by any credible evidence.

He added that it was “absurd and unreasonable” for anyone to try to link the lawmaker to criminal charges based on unverified claims allegedly made by the suspect under investigation.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Senator Alli has no connection whatsoever to the criminal incident, the individuals mentioned, or any activity related to kidnapping or violence,” the statement read.

The senator’s media office also accused political opponents of exploiting the situation in an attempt to discredit him, especially through references to campaign materials allegedly linked to the suspects.

According to the statement, attempts to link campaign posters, stickers or political branding with criminal activities are part of a wider smear campaign against the APC gubernatorial candidate.

“We are concerned that even the report itself admits that no security agency has found a link between Senator Alli and the alleged crimes.

“Therefore, it is deeply troubling that faceless propagandists are deliberately weaponizing unconfirmed claims to mislead the public and inflame the government,” the statement said.

The lawmaker reiterated his opposition to kidnapping and other violent crimes, stressing that he consistently supports initiatives aimed at strengthening security and protecting lives and property across Oyo State and the country.

The statement urged citizens to ignore the allegations and refrain from spreading information that could undermine ongoing investigations or create unnecessary political tensions.

They also called on security agencies to trace the origins of the claims and prosecute those responsible for spreading false information and political blackmail.

Despite the controversy, the statement stated that Senator Alli remains committed to his legislative responsibilities and his broader political agenda for the development of Oyo State.

The incident has attracted widespread attention in the state, this comes amidst heightened political rivalry within the APC following the recent gubernatorial primaries where Alli secured the party ticket ahead of Adelabu.