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 staged her own abduction in a bid to raise funds.
Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun issued the remand order on Thursday following Ogunleye’s arraignment on charges linked to the alleged fabrication of her kidnapping.
The court directed that she 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 (DPP) for legal advice.
Ogunleye was declared missing on May 20, 2026, after her vehicle was found abandoned along the Ipere–Iludun Ekiti road, sparking widespread concern over her safety. Her disappearance triggered a coordinated search involving police, military personnel, and local security operatives.
She was, however, located and rescued the following day.
Subsequent police investigations reportedly uncovered evidence suggesting that the abduction had been staged. Investigators allege that the plot was designed to generate funds to settle personal financial obligations and meet certain political commitments.
Following preliminary findings, the case was brought before the court for prosecution.
The matter has been adjourned to allow the DPP to review the case file and advise on the next course of action.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Pius Dada, condemned the alleged act, describing it as unfortunate and damaging to public trust.
He emphasized that holding public office does not grant immunity from accountability, insisting that anyone found culpable must face the full weight of the law.
Dada also warned that false kidnapping claims could erode public confidence in government institutions and security agencies, particularly at a time when the country continues to battle genuine cases of kidnapping and insecurity.
