Police Debunk Claims Sunday Igboho Rescued Abducted Oyo Mother, Son, Warn Against Misinformation

Oyo Police Dismiss Viral Claim Linking Sunday Igboho to Rescue of Abducted Residents

The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed as false viral reports alleging that Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo (Sunday Igboho) rescued two residents abducted in Igbope, warning the public against spreading unverified information capable of undermining ongoing security operations.

The reports, which gained traction on social media on Saturday night, claimed that the abducted victims — Kuburat Omowumi and her son — had regained their freedom through the intervention of Sunday Igboho.

The claim surfaced shortly after Igboho issued a two-hour ultimatum to Fulani leaders in the community, demanding the release of the victims, who were reportedly abducted by suspected bandits on June 16.

However, in a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Ayanlade Olayinka, described the report as entirely false and misleading.

"The Command wishes to state unequivocally that the claim contained in the circulated video is false, unfounded, and misleading," the statement read.

According to the police, security operatives have continued to intensify intelligence-led and tactical operations, in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders, to secure the safe release of the abducted mother and her son while ensuring those responsible are apprehended and prosecuted.

The command cautioned that the dissemination of unverified information at such a sensitive time could fuel misinformation, create unnecessary panic, and potentially jeopardize ongoing rescue efforts.

The police also appealed to members of the public with credible information that could aid the operation to promptly share it with security agencies.

Residents were further advised to rely solely on official communication channels for updates on the incident and to verify the authenticity of information before sharing it on social media.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property, the Oyo State Police Command assured residents that every available resource is being deployed to secure the victims' safe rescue and sustain public safety across the state.