Nurse Remanded Over Corps Member's Death After Abortion in Ogun State
A Magistrate Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has ordered the remand of a 37-year-old nurse, Kehinde Adesanya, at the Ibara Correctional Centre. This decision follows allegations that she was involved in an unlawful abortion that resulted in the death of a 23-year-old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Victoria Ariyo Olapeju.
Court Proceedings and Charges
Adesanya was arraigned on Thursday, March 26, 2026, facing four serious charges. These include conspiracy, supplying drugs for an unlawful abortion, and murder. The police counsel, Solomon Babalola, presented the case, stating that the offences occurred between January and March 2026 in the Ikereku area of Laderin, Abeokuta. According to the prosecution, the drugs allegedly supplied by Adesanya directly led to Ariyo's tragic death.
The charge sheet detailed the counts as follows:
- COUNT I: Conspiracy to commit felony, specifically abortion, contrary to Section 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.
- COUNT II: Unlawful attempt to procure abortion by supplying drugs to Ariyo Victoria Olapeju, contrary to Section 230 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.
- COUNT III: Conspiracy to commit murder, contrary to Section 324 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.
- COUNT IV: Unlawfully killing Ariyo Victoria Olapeju by administering drugs for abortion, contrary to Section 319 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.
Legal Actions and Adjournment
Standing trial before Magistrate O. Sam-Obaleye, the police counsel requested an order to remand the defendant for 60 days at the Ibara Correctional Centre. This remand is pending legal advice from the State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). Magistrate Mrs. O.O. Sam-Obaleye granted the application, emphasizing that the offences contravene Sections 516, 230, 324, and 319 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.
The case has been adjourned to May 26, 2026, for further proceedings. This adjournment allows time for the DPP to review the case and provide necessary guidance on how to proceed with the prosecution.
Background of the Incident
Ariyo died two weeks ago after undergoing an abortion procedure. Police investigations revealed that she was allegedly involved in a romantic relationship with Abass Olalekan, the NYSC Inspector of Abeokuta South Local Government. This relationship resulted in a pregnancy, which led to the subsequent abortion attempt.
In a related development, Olalekan was arrested and arraigned on Monday before Magistrate A.K. Araba. He faces a two-count charge of conspiracy and attempt to procure abortion. Olalekan pleaded not guilty and was granted bail set at N500,000, highlighting the ongoing legal scrutiny surrounding this case.
The tragic death of Victoria Ariyo Olapeju has sparked concerns over illegal abortion practices and the enforcement of reproductive health laws in Nigeria. As the legal process unfolds, authorities are focused on ensuring justice is served for the victim and her family.
