News
Kidnapped Oyo Principal Debunks ₦1bn, Sharia Demand Claims
Mrs Rachael Alamu, the school principal abducted alongside 45 students in Oyo State, has dismissed reports alleging that their captors demanded a ₦1bn ransom, firearms and the implementation of Sharia law across Nigeria.
Alamu, who has remained in captivity since she and the students were kidnapped on May 15, described the reports making the rounds on social media and some online platforms as false.
In an emotional video released from captivity over the weekend, the visibly distressed principal said the kidnappers had made only one demand — the release of some of their members currently in detention.
“The information being circulated that they demanded ₦1bn, guns and Sharia law is not true,” she said in the video.
“What they are asking for is the release of some of their detained members.”
The clarification came amid growing anxiety among parents, residents and concerned Nigerians over the safety of the abducted students, as conflicting reports continued to trail the incident.
Over the weekend, reports widely circulated online claimed the abductors had issued far-reaching demands to the Oyo State Government, including a ₦1bn ransom, weapons and the enforcement of Sharia law nationwide as conditions for freeing the victims.
However, Alamu’s latest statement appears to have contradicted the viral claims.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, has urged caution over public discussions surrounding the kidnappers’ alleged demands, warning against actions that could strengthen criminal networks.
Speaking during plenary while lawmakers deliberated on the abduction, Ogundoyin stressed the need for restraint and sensitivity, noting that the government was handling delicate security matters.
“If terrorists asked for weapons, money and concessions of future laws of this land as part of their ransom, if you’re the governor, would you accept?” the Speaker queried.
He added, “We don’t know the details. So, please, let’s be sensitive. The more you negotiate with these people, the more you will embolden them.”
The abduction, which has continued to generate outrage across the state, has renewed concerns over insecurity in schools and the vulnerability of students to attacks by criminal groups.
As of the time of filing this report, the Oyo State Government had yet to officially react to Alamu’s latest comments, while efforts to secure the release of the victims were said to be ongoing.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday evening officially swore in Joseph Tegbe as Nigeria’s new Minister of Power at the Exco Chambers of the Presidential Villa. The ceremony was attended by Tegbe’s wife and senior government officials.
An indigene of Oyo State, Tegbe is a seasoned fiscal and economic reform expert with over three decades of experience spanning both public and private sectors.
Until his latest appointment, he served as the Director General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, coordinating critical bilateral development initiatives between the two nations. He also previously led as Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa, driving fiscal policy reforms, governance frameworks, and institutional transformation.
Tegbe’s portfolio includes chairing the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee, inaugurated by the Federal Government in 2025 to oversee the execution of Nigeria’s revised tax policy.
He has also been involved in regulatory and institutional reforms in the power sector, collaborating with agencies such as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company.
A statement from the presidency noted that “the President expects the Minister to leverage his extensive expertise to advance critical reforms and deliver improved outcomes for Nigerians in the power sector.”
Tegbe succeeds Chief Bayo Adelabu, who resigned in March 2026 to pursue his ambition to contest the 2027 Oyo State governorship election.
Adelabu’s exit followed President Tinubu’s directive that political appointees intending to run for elective positions must step down.
Commenting on his departure, Adelabu stated that his resignation “aligns with due process and party guidelines as I prepare to return to active partisan politics ahead of the 2027 elections.”
The Oyo State Government on Monday demolished a three-bedroom bungalow allegedly used as a hideout by suspected kidnappers involved in the abduction of the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, and her children in Ibadan.
The property, located at Lakoun Estate, Olomi-Olojuoro Road in Oluyole Local Government Area, was pulled down by officials of the state Ministry of Public Works and Transportation, accompanied by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.
The demolition followed the abduction of Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, reportedly seized by gunmen at the Elewura area of Challenge, Ibadan, on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
The victims were rescued by police operatives on Saturday.
Residents watched from a distance as heavy-duty equipment moved into the community to demolish the bungalow, which security operatives allegedly identified as a base for the criminal gang.
The state government said the action underscored its resolve to enforce a zero-tolerance policy against criminality.
Police authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the demolition as of the time of filing this report.
Member of the House of Representatives representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, has donated ₦5 million to the Anfaani Muslim Community Central Mosque in Ibadan South-West Local Government Area for its solar power project.
Oseni, who also chairs the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, (FERMA), made the donation on Friday, according to a statement issued by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele.
The lawmaker, who is the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Senatorial Candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections, described the gesture as a reflection of his commitment to service, faith, and community development.
He said supporting faith-based institutions remained a privilege that should be embraced with humility.
“I had the honour and privilege of supporting the Anfani Muslim Community Central Mosque with the sum of ₦5 million towards the execution of its solar power project,” Oseni said in the statement.
The APC senatorial candidate for Oyo South stressed that service to humanity and support for religious institutions were responsibilities that come with divine trust.
He added that every opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society should be valued.
“It is always a blessing and a profound responsibility to contribute to the work of God and support initiatives that strengthen our faith communities,” he said.
“Whenever we are presented with the opportunity to uplift institutions devoted to worship and communal development, we must embrace it with sincerity and gratitude”, the statement added.
Oseni noted that acts of service should not be neglected, adding that God could raise others to fulfil His purpose if one failed to act.
He prayed for continued peace, progress, and prosperity across communities, expressing optimism that religious institutions would remain pillars of moral and social development.
“May Almighty God continue to strengthen His church and mosque, bless our communities with peace, and prosper every effort geared towards the advancement of faith and humanity,” he prayed.
Speaking during the visit, the Chief Imam of the Central Mosque, Alhaji Saheed Gbadamosi, appreciated the lawmaker for the support and for personally visiting the mosque, describing the gesture as a mark of respect for the Muslim community.
He offered prayers for the lawmaker, seeking divine guidance, protection and greater accomplishments in his public service.
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