Ekiti Council deputy chairperson remanded over alleged abduction hoax

The Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Grace Ogunleye, has been remanded in prison following allegations that she orchestrated her own kidnapping in a bid to obtain money from the government.

Ogunleye was initially reported missing on May 20 after an alleged abduction along the Ipere–Iludun Ekiti road while returning from an official engagement.

Her vehicle was reportedly found abandoned by the roadside, sparking fears among residents and prompting a security operation involving police officers, military personnel, and local security operatives.

The incident prompted a security operation involving police personnel, military officers, and local vigilante groups. Authorities subsequently announced that Ogunleye had been rescued unharmed.

However, the narrative surrounding the incident took a dramatic turn after investigations allegedly uncovered evidence suggesting that the kidnapping may have been staged.

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Confirming the development, the Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government, Pius Dada, described the allegations against the vice chairman as shocking, disturbing, and unacceptable.

In a statement issued by the council, Dada said security authorities had apprehended Ogunleye following investigations into the alleged abduction.

“The attention of the Executive Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government has been drawn to the unfortunate incident involving the Vice Chairman, who was reportedly involved in a self-kidnapping arrangement and subsequently apprehended by the relevant security authorities,” he stated.

The controversy emerged amid growing speculation on social media that the abduction had been orchestrated. Some online commentators alleged that the incident was linked to financial and political commitments, although authorities have yet to officially confirm the specific motives behind the alleged plot.

Prior to the latest revelations, the Director of Information and Civic Orientation for Ilejemeje Local Government, Falade Sunday, had publicly confirmed the vice chairman’s reported disappearance and appealed for public support as security agencies worked to secure her release.

The alleged self-kidnap incident has sparked concern among residents, particularly because it occurred shortly after heightened fears over insecurity in the local government area, including the earlier abduction of church worshippers in Eda Oniyo community.