The Ekiti State Police Command has arraigned the Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Grace Ogunleye, alongside three other suspects over allegations of conspiracy and staging a fake kidnapping.

Police spokesperson SP Sunday Abutu confirmed that the suspects were brought before a Chief Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti after the conclusion of investigations into the incident.

Presiding Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre pending further proceedings.

During the hearing, prosecutor ASP Akinwale Oriyomi told 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 remain in custody.

Ogunleye was initially reported kidnapped on May 20, 2026, after her vehicle was discovered abandoned along the Ipere–Iludun Ekiti road.

However, police investigations later indicated that the alleged abduction was staged as part of efforts to raise funds for what investigators described as financial and political obligations.

Reacting to the development, Ilejemeje Local Government Chairman, Pius Dada, described the incident as embarrassing and unacceptable.

According to him, the alleged act could damage public confidence in government officials and security institutions.

He added that no public office holder would be protected from prosecution if found culpable.

The case was adjourned for further mention.