The Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area in Ekiti State, Grace Ogunleye, has been arraigned alongside three others over allegations of conspiracy and staging her own kidnapping in a case that has sparked widespread public attention and political debate.
The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed that the suspects were brought before a Chief Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti following the completion of investigations into the incident. According to police spokesperson, SP Sunday Abutu, the defendants were arraigned after evidence allegedly linked them to a fabricated abduction plot.
The court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun, ordered that the accused be remanded at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre pending further legal proceedings. The prosecution, led by ASP Akinwale Oriyomi, informed the court that the case file had already been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice, and requested that the suspects be held in custody.
The case stems from a reported kidnapping incident on May 20, 2026, when the vice chairman was declared missing along the Ipere–Iludun Ekiti road after her vehicle was discovered abandoned by the roadside. However, police investigations later alleged that the disappearance was staged as part of a scheme to raise money for personal and political obligations.
The development has triggered strong reactions within the local government, with the Chairman of Ilejemeje LGA, Pius Dada, condemning the alleged act as embarrassing and damaging to public trust in elected officials. He stressed that the matter must be fully investigated and said no official would be protected if found guilty.
Authorities say the case remains under active judicial consideration as further hearings continue, while the police maintain that additional evidence may still emerge as proceedings advance.
