An Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court has ordered the remand of the Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Grace Ogunleye, over allegations that she orchestrated her own kidnapping.
Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun issued the remand order on Thursday after the local government official was arraigned on charges linked to the alleged fabrication of her abduction.
The court directed that Ogunleye be held at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre pending the duplication of the case file and its transfer to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.
The vice chairman was reported missing on May 20, 2026, after her vehicle was discovered abandoned along the Ipere–Iludun Ekiti road, raising fears over her whereabouts and safety.
Her disappearance prompted a large-scale search operation involving police officers, military personnel and local security operatives.
She was later found and rescued the following day.
However, investigations by the police reportedly uncovered evidence suggesting that the abduction was staged.
According to investigators, the alleged plot was designed to generate funds intended for the settlement of personal financial obligations and certain political commitments.
Following the conclusion of preliminary investigations, the matter was brought before the court for prosecution.
The case was subsequently adjourned to allow the Director of Public Prosecutions to review the file and advise on the next line of action.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Pius Dada, condemned the alleged act, describing it as unfortunate and capable of damaging public trust.
He stressed that occupying public office would not shield anyone from accountability, insisting that all individuals found wanting must face the full weight of the law.
Dada further warned that incidents of alleged false abduction claims could undermine public confidence in government institutions and security agencies, especially at a time when the country continues to grapple with genuine cases of kidnapping and insecurity.
