The Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area in Ekiti State, Grace Ogunleye, has been remanded in prison over allegations that she masterminded her own kidnap in a desperate attempt to raise money for political and financial obligations.
An Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court ordered her remand on Wednesday after she was arraigned on multiple charges linked to the alleged fake abduction saga that shocked residents of the state.
Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun directed that Ogunleye be kept 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 earlier reported missing on May 20, 2026, after she was allegedly abducted along the Ipere–Iludun Ekiti road.
Her vehicle was later discovered abandoned by the roadside, triggering panic and a large-scale rescue operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, military personnel, and local security operatives.
She was eventually found the following day after security agencies intensified search efforts across the area.
However, police investigations reportedly uncovered that the abduction may have been staged as part of a plan to generate money to settle financial pressures and political commitments.
The disturbing development has aroused outrage across Ekiti State, with many residents expressing disappointment over the allegations against a public office holder.
Reacting to the incident, Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Pius Dada, condemned the alleged act, insisting that no government official would be shielded from facing justice.
He described the incident as embarrassing and warned that such actions could further erode public confidence in political leaders and security agencies.
The matter has been adjourned pending further directives from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
