Oyo State Police have moved beyond “unknown gunmen” and named 6 suspects in the June 3 abduction of ex-power minister Adebayo Adelabu’s sister and her twin sons, defining each suspect’s alleged role in the crime.
DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, PPRO, said the naming came after a week-long tracking operation that ended in a June 6 raid in Lado, Ayegun, Ibadan.
–Police “dictionary” of suspects and roles–
Wale Abolalewa, alias “Oloro”— Police say he was arrested first because he was already on FID-IRT’s watchlist for related crimes. His interrogation opened the trail to the rest of the gang.
Dare Oyedele, alias “Solution”- Described by police as the central connector in the syndicate. Investigators say he linked surveillance to execution.
“Kelechi” [surname withheld]* — _Definition: Lookout / Enforcer_. Traveled from Lagos specifically for the job. Police say he was posted as lookout at the Lado hideout and opened fire on officers. He was killed in the shootout.
Semiu Ishola, 39- Arrested at the scene. Police allege he supplied the Lado house used to hold the victims.
Adeyemi Ayobami, 35 -Also arrested at the scene. Named alongside Ishola for facilitating the kidnappers’ logistics.
Unidentified gang member: Gunman Killed alongside Kelechi during the raid. Police say he died in the exchange of fire.
By attaching names as aliases to roles, police created a “suspect dictionary” that does three things:
1. Traceability: Aliases like “Oloro” and “Solution” are street tags. Naming them helps the public and other agencies identify and track fleeing members.
2. Accountability: Assigning roles — lookout, coordinator, hideout provider — separates foot soldiers from enablers.
3. Investigation anchor: Oloro and Solution are now live leads. Police say they’re assisting to track gang members who escaped with gunshot injuries.
The victims — Mrs. Adegoke Olaide Busayo, 42, and her sons Peter and Paul, 11 — were rescued unhurt. Items recovered included 3 pump-action guns, 14 cartridges, the abduction Corolla, face masks, axe, hammer, drugs, and a “criminal charm”.
Police urged hospitals and bone setters to report anyone with gunshot wounds. Emergency lines: 615 toll-free, 08081768614, 07055495413.
