An Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court has ordered the remand of the Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Mrs. Grace Ogunleye, over her alleged involvement in a staged kidnapping incident. Chief Magistrate Mr. Abayomi Adeosun issued the order on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, following her arraignment on multiple charges related to the orchestration of her own abduction.
The court directed that Ogunleye be held at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre pending the duplication of the case file and its transmission to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice. The defendant was reportedly declared missing on May 20, 2026, after her vehicle was discovered abandoned along the Ipere–Iludun Ekiti Road, sparking widespread concern over her safety.
The incident prompted a coordinated search operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, military personnel, and local security operatives. She was rescued the following day. However, police investigations later revealed that the purported kidnapping was allegedly staged by the council vice chairman to raise funds to settle personal financial obligations and political commitments.
The matter was subsequently brought before the court, which adjourned the case pending further directives from the DPP. Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Mr. Pius Dada, condemned the incident, stressing that no individual, regardless of political office or status, would be exempt from facing the law. Dada described the alleged act as unfortunate and embarrassing, warning that such incidents could erode public confidence in government officials and security agencies.
