“Abortion”: NYSC official arraigned in Ogun court over death of corps member

The Local Government Inspector (LGI) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Abeokuta South LGA, Ogun State, Abbas Olalekan, has been brought before an Isabo Magistrates’ Court over allegations of conspiracy and attempted procurement of abortion.

Olalekan, said to reside in the Mosafueto area of Oke-Ata, Abeokuta, is facing a two-count charge involving conspiracy and an unlawful attempt to procure an abortion through the supply of drugs. Reports indicate that Ariyo passed away two weeks ago due to complications related to pregnancy.

Sources allege that the LGI had been in a romantic relationship with the deceased, which resulted in pregnancy and a termination attempt that ultimately led to her death.

At his arraignment on Monday, March 23, 2026, Olalekan pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, Inspector Lawrence Olu-Balogun, told the court that the alleged offences took place between January and March in the Ikereku area of Laderin, Abeokuta.

He claimed that the defendant conspired with others still at large to commit a felony, specifically abortion.

Olu-Balogun further stated that Olalekan attempted to procure the abortion by supplying drugs to Ariyo, who is now deceased.

According to the prosecution, the defendant, a staff member of the NYSC, was involved with the deceased, a corps member serving in Abeokuta, and allegedly impregnated her before attempting to terminate the pregnancy using abortion drugs.

The prosecutor added that the drugs administered reportedly led to the death of Olapeju.

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

Despite the allegations, the defendant maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty.

His counsel, Mrs. Bunmi Adelabu, requested bail on liberal terms, referencing Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

Adelabu argued that the charge did not directly establish that the defendant was responsible for the deceased’s death.

Magistrate Mrs. A.K. Araba granted bail in the sum of ₦500,000, with two sureties in like amount.

She ruled that one surety must be a blood relative, while the other must be gainfully employed. Both are required to provide a utility bill, swear to an affidavit of means, submit six passport photographs, and present evidence of 2026 tax payment to the Ogun State Government.

The court also ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Ibara Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are met.

The case has been adjourned until April 14 for further hearing.