NYSC Official Arraigned in Ogun Over Alleged Abortion Case Leading to Corps Member’s Death

An official of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Abass Olalekan, has been arraigned before a Magistrate Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, over alleged involvement in a conspiracy and unlawful abortion that resulted in the death of a serving corps member, Victoria Ariyo.

Olalekan, who served as the Local Government Inspector (LGI) in Abeokuta South Local Government Area, was reportedly in a romantic relationship with the deceased prior to her death. He was subsequently arrested by the Nigeria Police Force following the incident.

According to reports, the defendant allegedly supplied drugs to Ariyo after confirming her pregnancy, which led to complications during the abortion process and ultimately resulted in her death.

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

The prosecutor, Inspector Lawrence Olu-Balogun, told the court that the alleged offences occurred between January and March 2026 at the Ikereku area of Laderin in Abeokuta. He accused the defendant of conspiring with others still at large to procure an unlawful abortion, an offence said to be contrary to and punishable under Sections 516 and 230 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.

Counsel to the defendant, Mrs. Elizabeth Adelabu, applied for bail on his behalf, citing Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

In her ruling, the presiding magistrate, Mrs. A.K. Araba, granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦500,000 with two sureties in like sum. She stipulated that one surety must be a blood relative, while the other must be gainfully employed.

The court further directed that the sureties must provide a utility bill, swear to an affidavit of means, submit six passport photographs, and present evidence of 2026 tax payment to the Ogun State Government.

Olalekan was, however, ordered to be remanded at the Ibara Correctional Centre pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions. The case has been adjourned to April 14, 2026, for further hearing.