A court in Ekiti State has remanded a local government vice-chairman in prison custody after police accused her of orchestrating her own kidnapping in an alleged bid to raise funds for political and personal financial commitments.
Grace Ogunleye, the vice-chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, was arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti on multiple charges linked to the alleged fake abduction.
Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun ordered that Ogunleye be remanded at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Center while the case file is forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice. The matter was subsequently adjourned pending the DPP’s review.
The controversy began on May 20 when Ogunleye was reported missing along the Ipere–Iludun Ekiti road. Her vehicle was discovered abandoned by the roadside, while her mobile phone was reportedly switched off, prompting concern among local government officials and residents.
A joint rescue operation involving police officers, military personnel, and local security operatives was launched, leading to her recovery the following day.
However, police investigations later allegedly uncovered evidence suggesting that the reported kidnapping was staged. Authorities claim Ogunleye masterminded the incident as part of an effort to solicit funds to meet political and financial obligations.
The allegations have generated significant public attention, particularly because Ilejemeje Local Government is currently grappling with a genuine kidnapping crisis. In April, gunmen attacked a church in Eda Oniyo, killing a pastor and abducting 16 worshippers, many of whom reportedly remain in captivity despite ransom payments by the community.
Reacting to the development, Pius Dada reportedly condemned the alleged act, describing it as damaging to public trust and warning that no public official would be shielded from accountability.
Ogunleye has yet to publicly respond to the allegations. The next phase of the case now rests on the legal advice expected from the DPP, which will determine whether formal prosecution proceeds.#newsafro_
