Ekiti LG Vice-Chairman Remanded Over Alleged Self-Kidnapping, Police Say Probe Linked Incident To Fundraising Scheme

The Vice-Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Grace Ogunleye, has been remanded at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre over allegations of conspiracy and self-kidnapping.

Ogunleye was arraigned on Wednesday alongside three other suspects before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ado-Ekiti.

The Ekiti State Police Command said the arraignment followed a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her alleged kidnap.

Ogunleye was earlier reported kidnapped on May 20 after her vehicle was reportedly found abandoned along the Ipere–Iludun Ekiti Road.

Initial reports suggested that she had been abducted by gunmen shortly after leaving the council secretariat. She was later rescued unharmed during a joint operation by security operatives.

However, police investigations later alleged that the abduction was staged to raise funds to settle her financial obligations and outstanding political commitments.

During the court proceedings, the prosecutor, Akinwale Oriyimi, informed the court that the case file had been forwarded to the Ekiti State Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.

He then asked the court to remand the defendants pending further proceedings.

Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun granted the application and ordered that Ogunleye and the other defendants be remanded at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Pius Dada, condemned the alleged act, describing it as embarrassing and unacceptable.

Dada warned that the incident could erode public trust in government officials and security agencies.

He added that no public office holder would be shielded from justice if found culpable.