By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria — A Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has ordered the remand of the Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Grace Ogunleye, over allegations that she staged her own kidnapping.
The court gave the order on Wednesday after the local government official was arraigned on multiple counts relating to an alleged self-orchestrated abduction. She was subsequently remanded at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
According to court proceedings, Ogunleye was initially declared missing on May 20, 2026, after reports emerged that she was abducted along the Ipere–Iludun Ekiti Road. Her vehicle was later found abandoned, sparking a major rescue operation involving security agencies.
She was, however, rescued the following day by a joint team of police, military personnel, and local security operatives.
The Merit Newspaper reports that preliminary investigations by security agencies allegedly indicated that the kidnapping may have been staged. Some reports claimed the incident was arranged to raise money for undisclosed financial and political commitments, although authorities have not officially confirmed the motive.
The development has triggered public reactions within the state, with the leadership of Ilejemeje Local Government describing the incident as embarrassing and unacceptable.
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The council chairman, Pius Dada, in a statement, said the local government would not interfere with investigations, stressing that no public office holder would be shielded from prosecution if found culpable.
He also urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information as investigations continue.
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Meanwhile, security agencies have yet to conclude their findings, and the case is expected to proceed further upon legal advice from the DPP.
