Kehinde Adesanya, a 37-year-old nurse charged in connection with the death of 23-year-old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Ariyo Victoria Olapeju, is scheduled to appear before a Magistrate’s Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Monday.
Court Proceedings and Remand
Court documents obtained by PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday reveal that the Ogun State Police accused Adesanya of unlawfully administering abortion drugs that led to the corps member’s death. She first appeared in court on March 26 and was remanded at the Ibara correctional facility in Abeokuta pending legal advice from the Ogun State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The court ordered an initial 60-day remand based on a police application.
By May 26, when the 60-day period expired, the DPP advice was not ready, prompting an adjournment to June 26. However, the June 26 proceedings also stalled because the DPP office had not yet issued the legal advice. The DPP subsequently issued the advice, leading to the rescheduling of proceedings for Monday.
DPP Drops Murder Charge
Lawyers’ Alert, a not-for-profit organization monitoring the case, stated that the DPP’s advice recommended dropping the murder charge against the nurse. PREMIUM TIMES has yet to independently confirm this. With the murder charge dropped, Adesanya now faces only abortion-related counts. She remains in custody at the Ibara Custodial Centre, and a decision will likely be made Monday on whether the trial will be conducted at the High Court or the magistrate’s court.
Police Investigation Findings
An affidavit sworn by investigating police officer Ojo Aderemi stated that the case began after a complaint on March 12. The complainant, Okunade Adeyanju, reported receiving a phone call from a woman named Ayanfe, a friend of his stepsister, informing him that Olapeju had become critically ill. The deceased, serving with the Ogun State Health Insurance Agency under the NYSC scheme, was taken to a private hospital in Adatan, Abeokuta, where doctors confirmed her death. Investigators alleged that Olapeju died from a failed abortion. The affidavit further alleged that Adesanya attempted to terminate what police described as an ectopic pregnancy, resulting in the corps member’s death.
Investigators visited the scene, obtained statements, collected documentary evidence, and forwarded the case file to the DPP. Based on evidence, they believed a prima facie case of murder had been established.
Police Charges Initially Filed
The Ogun State Police Command initially filed four counts against Adesanya: conspiracy, unlawful abortion, and murder. Count one alleged she conspired with others still at large between January and March to commit unlawful abortion, contrary to Section 616 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State. Count two accused her of unlawfully attempting to procure abortion by administering drugs, contrary to Section 230. Count three alleged conspiracy to commit murder, and count four accused her of unlawfully causing death by administering abortion drugs, punishable under Section 319.
Police sought remand pending DPP advice under Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2017. Police legal officer S.G. Babalola argued the court had statutory power to grant the request.
Rights Group Raises Concerns
Following the DPP’s decision, Lawyers’ Alert raised concerns over alleged pressure on Adesanya to plead guilty. In a statement by Director Legal Bamidele Jacobs, the organization alleged that Adesanya faced sustained pressure to plead guilty despite wanting to understand the legal implications. The group advised against a guilty plea unless part of a negotiated agreement. They also expressed concern that Adesanya was prevented from seeing her mother and twin sister in custody and that her husband was disposing of her belongings to fund legal representation without seeking bail.
Lawyers’ Alert said these allegations highlight broader vulnerabilities of women facing criminal prosecution related to reproductive healthcare. The case occurs amid debate over Nigeria’s abortion laws. In southern Nigeria, including Ogun State, abortion is generally prohibited except to save the woman’s life. Rights advocates argue the legal framework should align with the Maputo Protocol, which permits abortion in limited circumstances.
According to Lawyers’ Alert, women in detention face pressures including stigma, economic dependence, and family dynamics that may undermine independent legal decisions. They cited international instruments like CEDAW, the Maputo Protocol, and Nigeria’s Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, recognizing emotional and psychological abuse as violence against women. They also referenced Sections 34 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution, guaranteeing dignity, fair hearing, and independent legal advice.
Lawyers’ Alert urged authorities to protect Adesanya’s constitutional rights and ensure access to independent legal representation and psychosocial support. The organization has previously challenged Nigeria’s abortion laws before the ECOWAS Court of Justice. The allegations by Lawyers’ Alert have not been independently verified by PREMIUM TIMES.
