Femi Awogboro, media aide to the former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has cautioned individuals linking Ajiboye Sangogade, Adelabu’s Personal Assistant, to the recent kidnapping of the former minister’s sister and his twin nephews in Ibadan to immediately desist from spreading what he described as false and malicious allegations.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Awogboro maintained that Sangogade had no involvement whatsoever in the kidnapping incident, warning that those peddling the rumour should refrain from further defamatory actions or be prepared to face legal consequences.
He described the allegations against Sangogade as baseless, malicious, and unwarranted, stressing that the claims were part of a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image and reputation of Adelabu’s aide.
According to Awogboro, a recent press briefing and media interview granted by the Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Police Command, CSP Ayanlade Olayinka, on the kidnapping incident effectively cleared Sangogade of any wrongdoing, as his name was never mentioned among those linked to the crime.
He challenged those spreading the allegations to indicate where the police spokesperson implicated Sangogade in the case, noting that the police only mentioned an individual identified as Segun in connection with the kidnapping and never associated Sangogade with the criminal act.
Awogboro further alleged that those promoting the narrative were motivated by political considerations and should understand that not every issue should be politicised.
He noted that the police account of the incident had exposed what he described as “lies and fabricated stories” being circulated by certain individuals. He also recalled that the same group had previously alleged that Chief Adelabu intended to hand over the APC ticket for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election to Sangogade, who is not even from the constituency. However, Hon. Wale Olatunji Murphy eventually emerged as the party’s candidate.
The media aide warned that any further attempt to damage Sangogade’s reputation would be strongly resisted and that all lawful measures would be pursued to ensure that anyone found culpable of spreading defamatory information is held accountable.
