The Ekiti State Police Command has arraigned the Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Grace Ogunleye, and three other suspects over allegations of conspiracy and staging a fake kidnapping.
Police spokesperson SP Sunday Abutu confirmed that the suspects were brought before a Chief Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti following the conclusion of investigations.
Presiding Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre pending further proceedings.
Prosecutor ASP Akinwale Oriyomi informed the court that the case file had been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice. He urged the court to grant the remand request.
Ogunleye was reported kidnapped on May 20, 2026, after her vehicle was found abandoned along the Ipere–Iludun Ekiti road. Police investigations, however, indicated that the abduction was staged to raise funds for alleged financial and political obligations.
Reacting to the case, Ilejemeje LG Chairman Pius Dada described the incident as “embarrassing and unacceptable.” He said the alleged act could erode public trust in government officials and security institutions, stressing that no office holder would be shielded from justice if found culpable.
The case was adjourned for further mention.
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*Shorter version for web alert:*
*Ekiti LG Vice Chair Remanded Over Fake Kidnap Plot*
The Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje LGA, Grace Ogunleye, and three others have been arraigned in Ado-Ekiti for allegedly faking her kidnapping.
Police say Ogunleye was declared missing on May 20, 2026, after her car was found abandoned on the Ipere–Iludun Ekiti road. Investigations later showed the incident was staged to raise money for financial and political commitments.
Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun ordered the defendants remanded at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre. The case file has been sent to the DPP for legal advice.
Ilejemeje LG Chairman Pius Dada condemned the act, calling it embarrassing and saying no public official would be protected if guilty.
