Mrs. Ibukun Otesile, the 2025-2026 President of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Ibadan Elite, has regained her freedom nearly a week after being abducted in Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to reports, Otesile was found and released in the early hours of Thursday, December 11, 2025, after she was kidnapped outside her home in the General Gas area of Akobo on the evening of Thursday, December 4.
The mother of two and daughter of Reverend Dr. Lekan Babatunde, founder of Jesus Is King Ministries in Ibadan, was seized by gunmen at about 8:00 p.m., in front of her residence; a moment that sparked widespread concern and social media alerts.
Her abduction prompted urgent appeals from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and civil society groups for interventions by security agencies, with distress signals shared through religious community networks and direct alerts to police contacts.
While Otesile’s safe recovery is a relief to her family and supporters, key questions remain unanswered. Authorities have not confirmed whether a ransom was paid, nor disclosed details of any negotiations or operational role by security forces in securing her release.
The Oyo State Police Command had earlier launched an investigation into the case and initiated efforts to trace her abductors. The command also highlighted ongoing work to address a broader surge in criminal activity including arrests of armed robbers and suspected kidnappers in recent months as part of efforts to improve security across the Pace setter state.
Her release comes amid broader national concern over kidnapping and insecurity, with other high-profile abduction cases including mass school kidnappings in northern Nigeria drawing international attention and ongoing rescue efforts.
