BY OLANREWAJU AGIRI
Hon. Oriade Saheed Adewale, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, has recounted his harrowing experience following his release from captivity. He was abducted on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at approximately 7:06 PM at his office located within the PJ Square Shopping Complex, adjacent to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited station in Elewure, along Iyana Ajanla, Akala Expressway, New Garage, Ibadan.
In an emotional statement, Oriade detailed his terrifying experience and expressed deep gratitude to All Progressive Congress party leaders, the media, Security agencies and well-meaning Nigerians who stood by him during the mysterious moments.
According to Oriade, who hails from Ibadan Southwest Local Government and runs a travel, tours, and real estate firms, he explained that “a Nissan Micra vehicle blocked my car. Four gunmen carrying AK-47s dragged me into their car, covered my face with a cap, and put headphones on me playing loud music while they drove around the city for several hours before we arrived at where I was kept in an apartment,” he recounted.
He further revealed that his abductors spoke fluent English and never disclosed their tribe or identity. During his ordeal, they interrogated him about his work, family, and past engagements. After several weeks in captivity, they began demanding ransom from his family, eventually claiming an agreement had been reached.
On January 10, 2026, he was released in a similar fashion to his abduction, blindfolded, driven around the city, and dropped off somewhere in Ibadan.
“I was shocked by the massive support I received,” Adewale said, noting that even in captivity, his abductors commented on the widespread media attention his abduction generated. “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, and Barr. Akeem Agbaje, Hon Olamiju Alao-Akala, the Oyo APC Youths Leader, Prince John Oyetunji Aremu, Hon. Wasiu Olawale Sadare the Oyo APC Publicity Secretary, Hon Kareem Abisodun Tajudeen ‘Were’ and other APC leaders in Oyo State who rallied behind his family while incarcerated.
“I want to specially appreciate my brother Hon. Akeem Olatunji Akogunfor 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 noted.
Oriade made a heartfelt appeal to anyone he may have wronged in the past, “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.”
He concluded by expressing his heartfelt gratitude to his immediate family, Nigerians at home and abroad who helped him get released and elevated his spirits during a difficult period of his life, while also urging the government to create job opportunities for our youths to be more productive. He underlined the significance of togetherness and resilience in overcoming adversity, and expressed optimism for a better future.
