Ekiti LG Vice Chairman Returns to Court Over Alleged Self-Kidnap

Proceedings are set to resume today at an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates Court in the case involving the Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Grace Ogunleye, who is facing charges over allegations that she masterminded her own kidnapping.

Ogunleye is standing trial alongside three other defendants, Raheem Ganiyu, Sodiq Akorede and Fajuyi Adenike, following their arraignment after a police investigation into the alleged incident.

The four defendants are facing charges of conspiracy, aiding kidnapping, arranging kidnapping and kidnapping in connection with an incident said to have occurred on May 20 in Iye-Ekiti, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

At the previous hearing, police prosecutor Samson Osobu told the court that Ogunleye allegedly conspired with the three other defendants to stage her own abduction.

According to the prosecution, the matter came to light after a report of the vice chairman's alleged kidnapping was made to the police. Investigators subsequently carried out inquiries which, according to the prosecution, uncovered evidence suggesting the incident had been orchestrated by Ogunleye herself.

Osobu informed the court that the alleged offences contravene Sections 279, 280 and 281 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.

Following an application by the prosecution, Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun ordered that the four defendants be remanded in a correctional facility pending legal advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The matter was adjourned until today for mention and further proceedings.

The court is expected to determine the next stage of the case after receiving updates on the legal advice from the DPP.