Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
An official of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Ogun State, Abass Olalekan, has been arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, in connection with the death of a female corps member, Victoria Ariyo. The arraignment took place on Monday, March 23, 2026, following a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Ariyo, who was serving under the NYSC in Abeokuta South Local Government Area, reportedly died after developing complications linked to an abortion procedure. Her remains were interred at Kobape Cemetery along the Kobape–Sagamu Road in Abeokuta. Reports indicate that she underwent a termination of pregnancy before becoming critically ill and subsequently passing away.
Authorities say Olalekan, who served as the Local Government Inspector for Abeokuta South, was alleged to have been in a romantic relationship with the deceased, which reportedly resulted in the pregnancy. He was arrested by police following the incident and later brought before the magistrate’s court to face formal charges.
The two-count charge sheet accuses Olalekan and others currently at large of conspiracy and unlawful procurement of an abortion. The first count alleges that between January and March 2026 at Ikereku area in Laderin, Abeokuta, the defendant conspired with others to commit the felony of abortion, contrary to Section 516 of the Criminal Code Law of Ogun State. The second count accuses him of unlawfully attempting to procure an abortion by supplying drugs to the deceased to induce the procedure, contrary to Section 230 of the same law.
Olalekan, aged 43, pleaded not guilty to all charges when they were read to him before Magistrate A. K. Araba. His lawyer applied for bail, arguing that the offenses were bailable. The magistrate granted bail in the sum of ₦500,000 with two sureties in like sum, stipulating that one of the sureties must be a blood relative and the other must be gainfully employed. Both sureties must also provide utility bills, affidavits of means, six passport photographs, and evidence of tax payment to the Ogun State Government for 2026.
While bail arrangements are being perfected, Olalekan was ordered to be remanded at the Ibara Correctional Centre. The case has been adjourned to April 14 for further hearing.
The police in Ogun State had earlier confirmed that investigations into Ariyo’s death were ongoing through the Criminal Investigation Department of the state command. The NYSC’s state office has not publicly detailed its position on the situation beyond confirming that a staff member is in custody and that the Scheme maintains strict codes of conduct for both corps members and staff.
The case has drawn public attention because it involves a serving corps member who died under tragic and sensitive circumstances, highlighting concerns around professional conduct and the welfare of young people engaged in national service. Authorities have urged patience as investigations and legal processes unfold.
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