The Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area in Ekiti State, Grace Ogunleye, has been remanded alongside three other suspects over allegations of conspiracy and staging her own kidnapping.
The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed that the four defendants were arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti following the conclusion of investigations into the controversial case.
Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun ordered that the accused persons be remanded at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre pending further legal proceedings.
During the court session, the prosecutor, ASP Akinwale Oriyomi, informed the court that the case file had already been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice. He subsequently requested that the defendants remain in custody while the legal process continues.
The case stems from an incident reported on May 20, 2026, when Ogunleye was declared missing after her vehicle was discovered abandoned along the Ipere–Iludun Ekiti road. The development initially sparked concerns among residents and raised fears of another kidnapping case in the state.
However, police investigations later allegedly uncovered evidence suggesting that the reported abduction was orchestrated. Investigators claim the incident was staged as part of a plan to generate funds to address personal financial challenges and political commitments.
The revelation has generated widespread reactions across the state, with many expressing concern over the implications of such allegations, particularly given the growing insecurity and kidnapping cases reported across parts of Nigeria.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Pius Dada, strongly condemned the alleged actions of the vice chairman and the other suspects.
Dada described the incident as unfortunate, embarrassing and damaging to public confidence in government institutions and security agencies.
He stressed that no public office holder would receive special treatment if found guilty of wrongdoing, adding that the law should take its full course regardless of position or political status.
The case is expected to return to court after the Director of Public Prosecutions issues legal advice on the matter.
