Ekiti Court detains deputy chairman for alleged staged abduction

A Chief Magistrate's Court in Ado-Ekiti has issued a remand order for Grace Ogunleye, the Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, due to her alleged role in a kidnapping incident that was apparently staged. The order was given by Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun on Wednesday, following Ogunleye's arraignment on multiple counts related to the alleged self-orchestrated abduction.

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The court has directed that Ogunleye be held at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre while the case file is duplicated and sent to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.

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According to reports, Ogunleye was declared kidnapped on May 20, 2026, after her vehicle was found abandoned along the Ipere–Iludun Ekiti road.

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A rescue operation was subsequently launched, involving the Nigeria Police Force, military personnel, and local security operatives, and Ogunleye was found on May 21, 2026.

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Preliminary investigations by the police allegedly revealed that the kidnapping incident was staged as a means to raise funds to meet financial and political obligations.

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The case has been adjourned, pending further directives from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

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Reacting to the development, Ilejemeje Local Government Area Chairman Pius Dada condemned the alleged act, stating that no public office holder would be shielded from justice.

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Dada described the incident as embarrassing and capable of undermining public trust in government officials and security institutions.