An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Oyo State, Hon. Oriade Saheed Adewale, has recounted his terrifying experience in captivity following his recent release, expressing deep gratitude to party leaders, security agencies, the media and well-meaning Nigerians for their overwhelming support.
Oriade was abducted on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at about 7:06 p.m. at his office located within PJ Square Shopping Complex, beside the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) station at Elewure, Iyana Ajanla, Akala Expressway, New Garage, Ibadan.
Speaking in an emotional statement after regaining his freedom, the APC chieftain described the incident as one of the most traumatic experiences of his life. He said his abductors struck swiftly, blocking his vehicle with a Nissan Micra before four armed men wielding AK-47 rifles dragged him into their car.
“They covered my face with a cap and placed headphones on me with loud music playing. They drove around the city for several hours before taking me to an apartment where I was kept,” he narrated.
Oriade, who hails from Ibadan South-West Local Government and is into travel, tours and real estate businesses, revealed that his abductors spoke fluent English and never disclosed their identities or ethnic background. He said he was interrogated about his work, family and past activities, while ransom demands were later made to his family after weeks in captivity.
He disclosed that on January 10, 2026, he was released in a manner similar to his abduction—blindfolded, driven around the city and eventually dropped off at an undisclosed location in Ibadan.
“I was shocked by the massive support I received. Even my abductors told me that everywhere was full of my story in the media. They said, ‘How can you be this popular and say you don’t have money?’ That gave me hope while in captivity,” he said.
Oriade expressed appreciation to several APC leaders and stakeholders who stood by his family during the period, including 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; Oyo APC Youth Leader, Prince John Oyetunji Aremu; Oyo APC Publicity Secretary, Hon. Wasiu Olawale Sadare; Hon. Kareem Abisodun Tajudeen (Were) and other party leaders in the state.
He also specially thanked Hon. Akeem Olatunji Akogun for his show of brotherly love, as well as Governor Seyi Makinde for his concern. Oriade commended the Department of State Services (DSS), the Oyo State Police Command, particularly the AKS Department, the APC media team, religious leaders including the Chief Imam of Ibadan, and various community associations that organised prayers and vigils for his safe return.
In a sober reflection, the APC chieftain appealed to anyone he may have offended in the past to forgive him.
“This is the highest punishment anyone can go through. I sincerely ask for forgiveness from whoever I might have wronged,” he said.
Oriade concluded by appreciating his immediate family and Nigerians at home and abroad who supported him emotionally and otherwise, while calling on government at all levels to intensify efforts at job creation for youths as a way of tackling insecurity.
He stressed that unity, resilience and collective support remain critical to overcoming adversity and building a better future for society.
