Ekiti LG vice chairman jailed over alleged self-kidnap scheme

What began as a reported kidnapping of a senior local government official in Ekiti State has taken a dramatic turn, with Grace Ogunleye, the vice chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, being remanded in prison over allegations that she orchestrated her own abduction to raise money for personal and political obligations.

Ogunleye was on Wednesday arraigned before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ado-Ekiti alongside three other suspects on charges bordering on conspiracy and self-kidnapping. The court subsequently ordered their remand at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre pending further legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), marking a stunning reversal in a case that initially triggered security concerns across the state.

The prosecution counsel, Akinwale Oriyimi, told the court that the case file had been forwarded to the state Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice. He urged the court to remand the defendants while awaiting the outcome of the review.

Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun granted the request and ordered that Ogunleye and the three co-defendants be kept in custody pending further proceedings.

The case stems from an incident on May 20 when Ogunleye was declared missing after her vehicle was reportedly found abandoned along the Ipere–Iludun Ekiti Road. Initial reports indicated that gunmen had abducted her shortly after she left the Ilejemeje Local Government secretariat, raising fears over worsening insecurity in the state.

The reported abduction prompted concern among residents, political stakeholders and security agencies, which launched a coordinated search operation. Ogunleye was later rescued unharmed in a joint operation involving security personnel.

However, investigations by the Ekiti State Police Command allegedly uncovered evidence suggesting that the kidnapping was staged. According to the police, the local government vice chairman and her accomplices orchestrated the incident to generate funds needed to settle personal financial obligations and outstanding political commitments.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Ekiti State Police Command, Sunday Abutu, said the suspects were charged after a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction.

The development has attracted widespread attention across the state, with observers expressing concern that false kidnapping claims could divert scarce security resources from tackling genuine criminal activities.

Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Pius Dada, condemned the alleged act, describing it as embarrassing, unfortunate and unacceptable.

Dada warned that such actions could erode public trust in government officials and security agencies, particularly at a time when kidnapping remains a major security challenge across Nigeria.

He stressed that no public office holder would be shielded from justice if found culpable, adding that accountability must apply equally to all individuals regardless of status or position.

The matter was adjourned pending the legal advice of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and further proceedings before the court.