● Grace Ogunleye to be held at Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre as court awaits DPP’s legal advice*
An Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court has ordered the remand of Grace Ogunleye, Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, over allegations that she staged her own kidnapping to raise funds.
Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun issued the remand order Thursday after Ogunleye was arraigned on charges linked to the alleged fabrication of her abduction. The court directed she be held at Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre pending duplication of the case file and transfer to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, for legal advice.
Ogunleye was reported missing on May 20, 2026 after her vehicle was found abandoned along Ipere–Iludun Ekiti road, triggering a large-scale search involving police, military and local security operatives. She was found and rescued the following day.
Police investigations, however, reportedly uncovered evidence suggesting the abduction was staged. Investigators alleged the plot was designed to generate funds for personal financial obligations and “certain political commitments.”
Ilejemeje LGA Chairman, Pius Dada, condemned the alleged act, calling it unfortunate and damaging to public trust.
“Occupying public office would not shield anyone from accountability, insisting that all individuals found wanting must face the full weight of the law,” Dada said. He warned that false abduction claims could undermine confidence in government and security agencies at a time Nigeria is grappling with genuine kidnapping cases.
The case was adjourned to allow the DPP to review the file and advise on next steps.
