NYSC official arraigned in Ogun for unlawful abortion, death of corps member

By Folashade Olorunfemi –

A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) official, Abass Olalekan, attached to Abeokuta South LGA, Ogun State, has been arraigned before a Magistrate Court at Isabo over alleged conspiracy and unlawful abortion procurement for a serving corps member, Victoria Ariyo, which led to her death.

Olalekan, who was serving as the Local Government Inspector (LGI) of the Abeokuta division, was allegedly involved in a romantic relationship with Ariyo before her demise and was consequently arrested by the Nigerian Police after her death.

It was further alleged that Olalekan supplied drugs to Victoria following confirmation of her pregnancy, which ultimately led to her death due to complications from the abortion process.

During his arraignment on Monday, Olalekan pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

The prosecutor, Insp. Lawrence Olu-Balogun, told the court that the defendant committed the offences between January and March at Ikereku area, Laderin, Abeokuta. He alleged that Olalekan conspired with others, who are now at large, to commit a felony, to wit abortion, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Sections 516 and 230 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State 2006.

The counsel to the defendant, Mrs. Elizabeth Adelabu, filed for Olalekan’s bail, citing Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

The magistrate, Mrs. A.K. Araba, granted bail in the sum of ₦500,000 with two sureties of like sum. She ruled that one of the sureties must be a blood relative, while the other must be gainfully employed. The sureties were also required to provide a utility bill, depose to an affidavit of means, submit six passport photographs, and provide evidence of 2026 tax payment to the Ogun State Government.

The magistrate also ordered that Olalekan be remanded at the Ibara Correctional Centre pending the perfection of the bail conditions. The case has been adjourned to April 14 for further hearing.