NYSC official docked over death of corps member after alleged abortion attempt

A staff member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Abbas Olalekan, has been arraigned before a magistrate court in Abeokuta, Ogun State, over his alleged involvement in the death of a female corps member, Victoria Ariyo, following a suspected abortion.

Ariyo reportedly died on Tuesday due to complications linked to the procedure. She was subsequently buried at Kobape Cemetery along the Kobape-Sagamu Road in Abeokuta.

Olalekan, said to reside in the Mosafueto area of Oke-Ata, is facing charges of conspiracy and unlawful attempt to procure abortion by supplying drugs, which allegedly resulted in the victim’s death.

According to the prosecution counsel, Lawrence Olu-Balogun, the offences were committed between January and March in the Ikereku area of Laderin, Abeokuta. He told the court that the defendant conspired with others still at large to carry out the act.

The prosecutor further alleged that Olalekan had a relationship with the deceased, impregnated her, and attempted to terminate the pregnancy by providing abortion drugs, which reportedly led to fatal complications.

He added that the offences contravene Sections 516 and 230 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty.

Defence counsel, Bunmi Adelabu, urged the court to grant bail on liberal terms, citing constitutional provisions on presumption of innocence. He argued that the charges did not directly establish the defendant’s responsibility for the victim’s death.

In her ruling, Magistrate A.K. Araba granted bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum. She directed that one surety must be a relative, while the other must be gainfully employed.

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

Olalekan was remanded at the Ibara Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of bail conditions.

The case was adjourned until April 14 for further hearing.