NYSC Official Arraigned in Ogun Court Over Corps Member's Death in Abortion Case
Abbas Olalekan, the Local Government Inspector (LGI) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for Abeokuta South Local Government Area in Ogun State, has been arraigned before an Isabo Magistrates Court. He faces charges related to alleged conspiracy and an attempt to procure abortion, following the death of a corps member from pregnancy complications.
Details of the Charges and Allegations
Olalekan, who resides in the Mosafueto area of Oke-Ata, Abeokuta, is confronting a two-count charge of conspiracy and unlawful attempt to procure abortion by supplying drugs. The prosecutor, Inspector Lawrence Olu-Balogun, informed the court that the defendant committed these offenses between January and March at the Ikereku area in Laderin, Abeokuta.
According to the prosecution, Olalekan conspired with others who are currently at large to commit a felony, specifically abortion. It is further alleged that he attempted to procure an abortion by supplying drugs to the corps member, identified as Ariyo, who tragically died two weeks ago due to complications from the pregnancy.
Background of the Case and Relationship
Sources indicate that Olalekan was involved in a romantic relationship with the deceased corps member, which led to her pregnancy. The attempt to terminate this pregnancy allegedly resulted in her death. Inspector Olu-Balogun stated that as an NYSC staff member, Olalekan had an affair with the corps member, who was serving in Abeokuta, impregnated her, and then tried to end the pregnancy by procuring abortion drugs for her.
The prosecutor emphasized that the administration of these drugs purportedly led to the death of the corps member. The charges are said to contravene Sections 516 and 230 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State from 2006.
Court Proceedings and Defense
During his arraignment on Monday, March 23, 2026, Olalekan pleaded not guilty to all charges. His counsel, Mrs. Bunmi Adelabu, applied for bail under the most liberal terms, citing Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. Adelabu argued that the charge did not explicitly state that the defendant was responsible for the death of the deceased.
Magistrate Mrs. A.K. Araba granted bail to Olalekan in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties required to match this amount. The conditions stipulate that one surety must be a blood relative, while the other must be gainfully employed. Additionally, the sureties must provide a utility bill, depose to an affidavit of means, submit six passport photographs, and present evidence of tax payment for 2026 to the Ogun State Government.
Remand and Adjournment
Pending the perfection of these bail conditions, the magistrate ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Ibara Correctional Centre. The case has been adjourned until April 14 for further hearing, allowing both the prosecution and defense to prepare their arguments.
This case highlights serious allegations within the NYSC framework, raising concerns about the safety and welfare of corps members during their service year. The legal proceedings will continue to unfold as the court seeks to establish the facts surrounding this tragic incident.
