By Peter Omopo
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Mr Wale Oriade, has regained his freedom after spending 39 days in captivity.
The development was confirmed on Saturday by the Public Relations Officer of the APC in the state, Mr Wale Sadare, in a telephone interview from Ibadan.
Oriade was abducted on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at about 7:06 pm at his office located within PJ Square Shopping Complex, beside the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited station at Elewure, along Iyana Ajanla, Akala Expressway, New Garage area of Ibadan.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants arrived in a blue Micra vehicle with two occupants—a driver and an armed accomplice—who forcefully seized Oriade and drove off with him in the same vehicle.
Residents described the operation as swift and well-coordinated, raising concerns within the community about the boldness of the attack.
Confirming the release, Sadare said, “Yes, I can confirm it. He has been released.”
Further investigations revealed that a ransom was paid to secure Oriade’s release, although details of the amount were not disclosed.
As of the time of filing this report, the Oyo State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
