The Oyo State Police Command has denied reports suggesting that Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Igboho (Sunday Igboho), was responsible for the release of kidnapped victims in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State.
According to the police, there is no official confirmation that the victims have been rescued, and no evidence has been presented to show that Igboho was involved in any rescue effort.
The clarification follows widespread social media reports and viral videos claiming that the victims—including a woman, her children, and a sibling—were freed shortly after Igboho issued a two-hour ultimatum to suspected kidnappers.
The command stressed that the Nigeria Police Force has not verified the victims’ release and that the Oyo State Commissioner of Police never confirmed any role played by Igboho in the matter.
Earlier, Igboho had accused criminal groups of turning the area into a kidnapping hotspot and warned individuals allegedly protecting the perpetrators. Reports indicate that the kidnappers initially demanded ₦300 million before reducing the ransom to ₦150 million.
The incident also sparked concerns following allegations that a pregnant woman and a ransom courier were killed. However, Police spokesperson DSP Olayinka Ayanlade described the circulating claims as unverified and urged the public to rely only on official updates.