The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed claims that Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, was responsible for the release of kidnapped victims in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The development follows widespread reports that the victims regained their freedom shortly after Igboho issued a two-hour ultimatum to suspected kidnappers and their alleged collaborators.
In a statement, the police said there was no official confirmation that the victims had been rescued and maintained that no evidence linked Igboho to any operation that secured their release.
The controversy began after the activist publicly threatened to confront those behind the abduction if the captives were not freed within two hours.
Shortly after the ultimatum expired, reports surfaced that the victims a woman, her children and a sibling had regained their freedom. Videos circulating online showed residents celebrating and welcoming them back to the community after days of anxiety.
The victims were reportedly abducted during a midnight attack on their home. Initial reports claimed the kidnappers demanded N300 million before reducing the ransom to N150 million during negotiations.
The incident sparked outrage in the community, especially after allegations emerged that a pregnant woman and a ransom courier were killed during the ordeal.
In several videos shared online, Igboho accused criminal elements of turning the area into a haven for kidnappers and warned those he believed were protecting them.
However, the Oyo State Police Command has distanced itself from reports crediting the activist with the victims’ release.
“The Nigeria Police Force has officially debunked claims that the hostages have been safely released,” the command said, adding that the Commissioner of Police had not confirmed any involvement by Igboho in the matter.
The police also urged members of the public to avoid relying on unverified social media reports, stressing that investigations were still ongoing.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, described the reports linking Igboho to the alleged rescue as unsubstantiated and advised residents to wait for verified updates from security agencies.
As of the time of filing this report, uncertainty remained over the circumstances surrounding the reported release of the victims, even as debate over the incident continues across Oyo State and beyond.
