Hon. Oriade Saheed Adewale, a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Oyo State, has shared the harrowing details of his abduction and subsequent release.
He was kidnapped on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at approximately 7:06 PM, from his office at the PJ Square Shopping Complex, near NNPC filling station in Elewure, along Iyana Ajanla, Akala Expressway, New Garage, Ibadan.
In an emotional statement, Oriade, who runs travel, tours, and real estate firms and hails from Ibadan Southwest Local Government, recounted the terrifying experience.
He expressed profound gratitude to APC party leaders, the media, security agencies, and well-meaning Nigerians for their unwavering support during his ordeal.
Oriade described how a Nissan Micra blocked his car, and four gunmen, armed with AK-47s, forcibly dragged him into their vehicle.
His face was covered with a cap, and headphones playing loud music were placed on him as they drove for several hours before arriving at an apartment where he was held captive.
He revealed that his abductors spoke fluent English but never disclosed their identities or tribe. During his captivity, they interrogated him about his work, family, and past engagements.
After several weeks, they began demanding a ransom from his family, eventually claiming an agreement had been reached.
On January 10, 2026, Oriade was released in a manner similar to his abduction: blindfolded, driven around the city, and dropped off somewhere in Ibadan.
"I was shocked by the massive support I received," Adewale stated, recalling that even his abductors commented on the extensive media coverage of his disappearance.
"They told me, 'Everywhere is full of your story, how can you be this popular and say you don’t have money?' That gave me hope."
He specifically thanked former Senate Leader Senator Teslim Folarin, Chief Bayo Adelabu, Senator Sharafadeen Ali, Senator Yunus Akintunde, Hon. Akin Alabi, Barr. Akeem Agbaje, Hon Olamiju Alao-Akala, the Oyo APC Youths Leader, Prince John Oyetunji Aremu, Hon. Wasiu Olawale Sadare, Oyo APC Publicity Secretary, Hon Kareem Abisodun Tajudeen ‘Were’, and other Oyo State APC leaders for rallying behind his family.
Oriade also extended his appreciation to "my brother Hon. Akeem Olatunji Akogun for his show of love, and also the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde for his concerns, the director DSS, the Oyo State Police command, especially the AKS department, APC media team, religious leaders including the Chief Imam of Ibadan, and community associations that held vigils and prayers for my safe return."
He made a heartfelt appeal to anyone he may have wronged, stating, "This is the highest punishment anyone can go through. Please, find it in your heart to forgive me, whoever I might have wronged in the past."
Oriade concluded by expressing immense gratitude to his immediate family and Nigerians worldwide who supported his release and uplifted his spirits during this difficult period.
He urged the government to create more job opportunities for youths to foster productivity and underlined the significance of togetherness and resilience in overcoming adversity, expressing optimism for a better future.
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