The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed viral claims suggesting that Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, was involved in the alleged rescue of kidnapped victims in Igboho community, Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Reacting to circulating videos and social media reports, the Command stated that there is no official confirmation that the abducted family has been freed, nor any evidence linking Igboho to any intervention in the situation.
According to the police, “The Nigeria Police Force has officially debunked claims that the hostages have been safely released,” adding that the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State has not verified any role attributed to Igboho.
The clarification comes after widespread excitement on social media following claims that a woman, her children, and a relative—who were abducted during a midnight raid—had been released shortly after Igboho issued a two-hour ultimatum demanding their freedom. He had reportedly warned of consequences if the victims were not freed within the deadline.
Shortly after, unverified reports of their release sparked celebrations and emotional reactions among residents.
The abduction had earlier caused panic in the community after armed men stormed the area at night, kidnapped members of a family, and initially demanded a ransom of ₦300 million, later allegedly reduced to ₦150 million during negotiations. There were also conflicting reports suggesting that a pregnant woman and a ransom courier may have been killed during the incident.
In widely circulated videos, Igboho condemned the rising wave of kidnappings in the region and issued strong warnings to individuals he accused of shielding criminal elements.
However, police spokesperson DSP Olayinka Ayanlade maintained that the reports remain unverified and should not be regarded as official confirmation.
As of the time of reporting, the fate of the abducted family remains uncertain amid conflicting accounts circulating both online and within the community.
