Ekiti LG vice-chairman remanded over alleged self-kidnapping to raise campaign funds

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

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

According to the Ekiti State Police Command spokesperson, Sunday Abutu, the suspects were brought before the court after the completion of investigations into the case.

The prosecuting counsel, Akinwale Oriyimi, told the court that the case file had already been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice and subsequently applied for the remand of the defendants.

Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun granted the application and ordered that all four defendants be remanded at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre pending further proceedings.

Ogunleye had earlier been declared kidnapped on May 20 after her vehicle was reportedly discovered abandoned along the Ipere–Iludun Ekiti road, sparking initial fears of abduction.

She was later said to have been rescued alive during a joint security operation.

However, police investigations reportedly later suggested that the incident may have been staged, with allegations that the purported abduction was orchestrated to raise funds for personal financial obligations and political commitments.

The chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government, Pius Dada, condemned the development, describing it as embarrassing and capable of eroding public trust in government institutions.

He warned that the council would not shield any official found culpable, stressing the need for accountability in public office.

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