An Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court has remanded the Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Grace Ogunleye, at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre over allegations that she orchestrated her own kidnapping.
Gatekeepets News reports that the court ordered her remand pending the duplication of the case file and its transfer to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.
Ogunleye was declared missing on May 20 after her vehicle was reportedly found abandoned along the Ipere–Iludun Ekiti Road, sparking fears that she had been abducted by gunmen.
The incident prompted a large-scale search operation involving the police, military and local security operatives. She was later rescued unharmed following a coordinated security operation.
However, investigations by the police allegedly uncovered evidence suggesting that the kidnapping was staged. Prosecutors claim the council vice chairman orchestrated the incident in a bid to raise money to meet personal financial obligations and political commitments. She was subsequently arraigned before the court on charges linked to the alleged self-kidnapping.
Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun ordered that Ogunleye be kept in custody while legal authorities review the case. The matter was adjourned pending further directives from the DPP.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government, Pius Dada, described the allegations as disturbing and unacceptable, insisting that public office holders must be held accountable if found culpable. In a statement, he said:
“This development is shocking, disturbing, and entirely unacceptable.”
Dada also stressed that no one would receive special treatment because of political status, stating:
“We wish to assure the good people of Ilejemeje Local Government that no individual is above the law. The law must take its full course without interference, irrespective of status or political position.”
The case has attracted significant attention in Ekiti State, coming just weeks after widespread concern over Ogunleye’s reported abduction and subsequent rescue. Authorities say investigations are continuing.
