Ekiti LG Vice Chairman Remanded Over Alleged Self-Kidnapping Plot

The Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area in Ekiti State, Grace Ogunleye, has been remanded at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre following her arraignment on charges of conspiracy and alleged self-kidnapping.

Ogunleye was arraigned on Wednesday alongside three other defendants before Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun at the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ado-Ekiti.

The prosecution, led by Akinwale Oriyimi, told the court that the Ekiti State Police Command had concluded its preliminary investigation into the case and forwarded the case file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.

Oriyimi subsequently requested that the defendants be remanded pending the outcome of the DPP’s review and further legal directives.

Ruling on the application, Chief Magistrate Adeosun ordered that Ogunleye and the three other defendants be remanded at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre pending the next stage of the legal process.

The case stems from Ogunleye’s reported disappearance on May 20, which initially sparked concerns of a kidnapping. Her vehicle was reportedly found abandoned along the Ipere–Iludun Ekiti Road shortly after she left the Ilejemeje Local Government Secretariat.

At the time, reports indicated that unknown gunmen had abducted the vice chairman, prompting widespread concern among residents, political associates and security agencies. The incident also triggered an intensive search operation.

Days later, Ogunleye was rescued unharmed during a joint security operation. However, authorities did not immediately disclose details surrounding her recovery.

Subsequent investigations by the police allegedly uncovered evidence suggesting that the abduction had been staged.

According to the Ekiti State Police Command, findings from the investigation indicated that the alleged kidnapping was orchestrated to raise funds for the settlement of personal financial obligations and outstanding political commitments.

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Sunday Abutu, said the suspects were charged following what he described as a thorough investigation into the matter.

The police, however, have yet to disclose the specific roles allegedly played by each of the defendants in the purported scheme.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Pius Dada, condemned the alleged act, describing it as embarrassing and unacceptable.

Dada expressed concern over the possible impact of the incident on public confidence in government institutions and security agencies, warning that such actions could undermine public trust and create unnecessary panic if proven to be true.

He also stressed that public office holders must be held accountable for their actions, insisting that no individual would be shielded from justice if found culpable.

The case has been adjourned pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions and further proceedings before the court.