Vice Chairman Remanded Over Alleged Fake Kidnapping

A court in Ado-Ekiti has ordered the remand of a local government vice chairman Grace Ogunleye over allegations linked to a staged kidnapping case.

The Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ado-Ekiti has remanded Grace Ogunleye, the Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, over her alleged involvement in a self-arranged kidnapping case. The ruling was delivered on Wednesday by Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun after Ogunleye appeared before the court on several charges connected to the incident.

The court directed that she remain at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre while authorities prepare duplicate copies of the case file. The documents will then be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal review and advice.

Reports indicate that Ogunleye was reported missing on May 20, 2026, along the Ipere–Iludun Ekiti road. Her vehicle was later found abandoned beside the road, prompting concern and triggering a large-scale search effort. The operation involved the Nigeria Police Force, military personnel and local security operatives. She was eventually located on May 21, 2026.

However, preliminary findings from the police investigation allegedly suggested that the kidnapping case had been staged. Investigators believe the alleged plan was intended to generate funds to address financial obligations and political commitments.

The kidnapping case remains under review as the court awaits further guidance from the DPP. Reacting to the development, Pius Dada, Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, criticised the alleged actions. He stated that no public official would receive protection from the legal process.

Dada also described the incident as embarrassing and warned that such allegations could weaken public confidence in both government officials and security agencies.

Do you think cases like this can affect public trust in elected officials and security institutions?