The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed widespread reports claiming that multiple residents were abducted in Abanla community and other parts of Ibadan, clarifying that only two staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) were kidnapped.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, police spokesperson Olushola Ayanlade described the viral reports as false, misleading, and capable of causing panic among residents.

According to the command, no mass abduction incident was recorded anywhere in Ibadan or surrounding communities apart from the reported kidnapping involving the CRIN workers.

“The Command views the dissemination of such unverified and sensational reports as highly irresponsible and capable of creating unnecessary fear, panic and tension among residents,” the statement said.

The police also warned bloggers, media outlets, and social media users against publishing unverified security reports, stressing that false information could undermine ongoing security operations and divert attention from genuine emergencies.

Two Suspects Arrested

Ayanlade disclosed that two suspects connected to the abduction had already been arrested by security operatives.

He explained that the police received a distress report at about 6 p.m. on Tuesday from the chief security officer of CRIN through the Idi-Ayunre Divisional Police Headquarters.

Preliminary investigations revealed that about six armed men invaded the area and abducted two staff members of the institute before taking them to an unknown location.

Following the report, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Olugbemiga, ordered the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence teams, including operatives from the anti-kidnapping squad.

Security teams subsequently launched coordinated bush-combing and search operations across nearby forest areas believed to be linked to the kidnappers.

Police Operatives Repel Gunfire Attack

During one of the operations carried out on May 20, 2026, police operatives reportedly intercepted two suspicious individuals identified as Shehu and Abubakar.

According to the police statement, the suspects initially agreed to lead officers to the hideout of the kidnapping syndicate.

However, while approaching the location, armed men suspected to be members of the gang allegedly opened fire on the police team.

The operatives responded to the attack and successfully repelled the gunmen while safely extracting the two suspects from the scene.

The suspects are currently being held by the anti-kidnapping squad as investigations continue and efforts intensify to rescue the abducted victims.

Nigerian businessman and socialite Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, has claimed that President Bola Tinubu still does not fully trust him because of his previous support for Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election.

Speaking during a chat with popular content creator Peller on Tuesday evening, the nightlife promoter said he believes his Igbo background and his earlier political alignment with Obi continue to affect how he is perceived politically.

“Let me tell you, as I am now, Tinubu doesn’t really trust me as an Igbo man. He looks at me with one eye. He is still like ‘this one that has worked for Peter Obi before,’” he said.

Cubana Chief Priest explained that although he supported Peter Obi in the 2023 election, he later decided to back Tinubu ahead of the 2027 political season because he believes Obi has little chance of defeating the current president.

The celebrity businessman recently made headlines after picking up the nomination form of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency seat in Imo State.

However, he failed to secure the APC ticket. Following the outcome, he later claimed he never truly entered the race despite the widespread publicity surrounding his political ambition.

Cubana Chief Priest currently serves as the Imo State Coordinator of the City Boys Movement, a political support group associated with President Tinubu.

After news of his failed bid emerged online, social media users reacted with mixed opinions, with many mocking the celebrity entrepreneur and suggesting he may have underestimated the realities of Nigerian politics.

Despite the setback, Seyi Tinubu publicly encouraged him through a message shared on Instagram.

In the post, Seyi Tinubu urged Cubana Chief Priest not to lose hope, stressing that political disappointments can sometimes become stepping stones to greater opportunities in the future.

The remarks by Cubana Chief Priest have continued to spark conversations online, especially as political discussions around the 2027 presidential election begin to intensify across the country.

Veteran journalist and media entrepreneur Dele Momodu has cautioned opposition politicians against relying on zoning ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, warning that such a strategy could ultimately strengthen President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television, Momodu argued that opposition parties must focus on building a strong political consensus rather than concentrating on regional power rotation if they intend to defeat the current administration.

According to him, insisting that the presidency must remain in the South may divide opposition forces and reduce their chances in the next election cycle.

“Strategically, there is no basis for zoning. Anybody who wants to remove Tinubu will have to come from the opposite direction,” Momodu stated.

He added that opposition leaders should consider rallying around a strong northern candidate such as Atiku Abubakar or Aminu Tambuwal if they are serious about mounting a competitive challenge in 2027.

Momodu stressed that zoning is not recognised in Nigeria’s Constitution and argued that political parties should avoid distractions that could weaken their electoral strategy.

The publisher also described the North as a powerful voting bloc capable of deciding the outcome of the election if it unites behind a single candidate.

“If the North fields one candidate, nobody can defeat them. I am sure about that,” he said.

He further advised southern presidential hopefuls, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, to meet and consider supporting a consensus candidate to prevent a split in southern votes.

“I would suggest that the southern candidates should meet urgently, if possible, and maybe they will withdraw for Jonathan or for Peter Obi,” he said.

Momodu warned that if multiple southern candidates remain in the race, it could work against the region politically and improve Tinubu’s chances of retaining power.

Looking ahead to the 2027 election, he predicted that the contest would likely be shaped by Nigeria’s most influential political figures and alliances.

He described both Jonathan and Tinubu as formidable contenders, while also pointing to the potential political strength of a partnership involving Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Momodu maintained that consensus remains the most practical path for the opposition, insisting there is little time to waste on divisive internal primaries if opposition parties truly want to challenge the ruling government successfully.