A National Youth Service Corps official, Abbas Olalekan, has been brought before an Isabo Magistrates' Court in Ogun State's capital over alleged conspiracy and attempt to procure abortion. The case stems from the death of a female corps member, Victoria Ariyo, who died last Tuesday from pregnancy complications.
According to the prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police Lawrence Olu-Balogun, Olalekan committed the offences between January and March at Ikereku area, Laderin, Abeokuta. The defendant has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Bunmi Adelabu, counsel for the defendant, applied for bail citing Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The magistrate, Mrs. A. K. Araba, granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦500,000 with two sureties in like sum. One of the sureties must be a blood relative, while the other must be gainfully employed.
The defendant has been ordered to be remanded at the Ibara Correctional Centre pending perfection of the bail conditions. The case has been adjourned until April 14 for further hearing.
Ariyo, serving in local government, had allegedly died from complications after terminating her pregnancy. Sources alleged that the LGI and the deceased were in a relationship, which eventually led to the pregnancy.
The National Youth Service Corps has confirmed that a staff member is under investigation in connection with the incident. The agency expressed deep sadness over the loss of a corps member under circumstances that are currently being investigated.
The arraignment of Abbas Olalekan raises serious questions about accountability within the National Youth Service Corps. The agency's Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, had confirmed that a staff member was under investigation, but the swift action taken against Olalekan suggests a commitment to transparency. The court's decision to grant bail in the sum of ₦500,000 with stringent conditions underscores the need for the NYSC to ensure that its officials are held to the highest standards of conduct. The incident highlights the risks faced by female corps members, particularly in cases of pregnancy complications. As the case proceeds, Nigerians will be watching to see how the NYSC handles the situation and whether justice is served.
