NYSC Official Arraigned Over Corps Member’s Death After Abortion

An official of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Ogun State, Abass Olalekan, has been arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, over his alleged involvement in the death of a female corps member, Victoria Ariyo.

Olalekan was docked on Monday on a two-count charge of conspiracy and unlawful procurement of abortion.

According to the charge sheet marked MA/22/99/2026, the defendant and others at large allegedly conspired between January and March 2026 at the Ikereku area of Laderin, Abeokuta, to commit a felony, contrary to Section 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.

He was also accused of unlawfully attempting to procure an abortion for Ariyo by supplying her with drugs, an offence punishable under Section 230 of the same law.

Ariyo, who was serving in Ogun State, reportedly died last Tuesday from complications arising from the procedure.

The defendant, who was said to have been in a romantic relationship with the deceased, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Defence counsel, Elizabeth Adelabu, applied for bail, arguing that the offences are bailable. Presiding Magistrate A.K. Araba granted bail in the sum of ₦500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

The court ruled that one surety must be a blood relative, while the other must be gainfully employed, and both must provide a utility bill, affidavit of means, six passport photographs, and evidence of 2026 tax payment.

Olalekan was remanded at the Ibara Correctional Centre pending the perfection of bail conditions, while the case was adjourned until April 14 for further hearing.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command said an investigation into Ariyo’s death is ongoing, noting that the incident comes barely a month after another corps member, Adeleye Mary, died under mysterious circumstances in the same Abeokuta South Local Government Area.