Oyo Police Debunk Claims Linking Sunday Igboho To Alleged Rescue Of Kidnapped Victims.

The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media suggesting that Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, was involved in the alleged release of kidnapped victims in the Igboho community of Oorelope Local Government Area, Oyo State.

In a statement responding to viral videos and online claims, the Command said there is no official confirmation that the abducted family has been rescued, and no evidence linking Igboho to any form of intervention in the incident.

The police further clarified that the Oyo State Commissioner of Police has not verified any such operation or confirmed the release of the victims.

Conflicting reports fuel public confusion

The clarification comes amid widespread online claims that a woman, her children, and a relative—abducted during a midnight raid by armed men—had been freed shortly after Igboho reportedly issued a two-hour ultimatum demanding their release. The ultimatum, widely shared in videos, warned of consequences if the victims were not released within the timeframe.

Shortly afterward, unverified reports circulated online claiming the captives had regained their freedom, sparking celebrations and emotional reactions among residents.

However, authorities have cautioned that these reports remain unverified and should not be treated as official updates.

Kidnapping incident raises tension in community

The abduction had earlier thrown the community into distress after armed men reportedly invaded the area at night, abducted members of a family, and demanded a ransom initially set at ₦300 million. Reports indicate the demand was later reduced to ₦150 million during negotiations.

There were also conflicting and unconfirmed claims that a pregnant woman and a ransom courier may have been killed during the incident, further heightening concern in the area.

Police urge caution over unverified information

Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Igboho had appeared in widely circulated videos condemning the rising wave of kidnappings in the region and issuing warnings to individuals he accused of sheltering criminal elements.

However, the Oyo State Police Command, through spokesperson DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, reiterated that the circulating claims remain unverified and urged the public to rely only on official updates.

As of the time of reporting, the fate of the abducted family remains unclear, with conflicting accounts continuing to circulate across both local and online platforms.