ABEOKUTA – The Ogun State Government has officially taken over the prosecution of Abass Olalekan, a Local Government Inspector (LGI) with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), following the tragic death of a female corps member, Victoria Olapeju Ariyo.
The move, announced by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), comes amid a wave of online speculation questioning the strength of the state’s case after the defendant was granted bail.
The Charges
Mr. Olalekan, 43, was arraigned on Monday, March 23, 2026, before Magistrate Court 1 in Isabo, Abeokuta. He faces a two-count charge of conspiracy and the unlawful procurement of an abortion, offences punishable under the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State.
According to the charge sheet (MA/22/99/2026), the prosecution alleges that between January and March 2026, the defendant conspired with others—currently at large—to procure an abortion for Ms. Ariyo, who was reportedly in a romantic relationship with him.
State Intervention
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Attorney-General Ogungbade clarified that the Ministry of Justice assumed control of the case immediately after receiving the file from the State Police Command. He strongly refuted claims that the grant of bail indicated a lack of credible evidence.
”The grant of bail was based solely on the bailable nature of the charges and does not reflect the strength or quality of the evidence,” Ogungbade stated. He described online reports suggesting missing witnesses or weak documentation as “false and misleading.”
Background of the Tragedy
Police investigations reveal a harrowing sequence of events leading to Ms. Ariyo’s death on March 17. It is alleged that upon discovering the pregnancy, Mr. Olalekan encouraged its termination, recommended a practitioner for the procedure, and provided the financial means to carry it out.
The corps member, who was serving in Abeokuta South, died shortly after from complications. Her remains have since been interred at the Kobape Cemetery.
Current Status
The presiding magistrate, A.K. Araba, granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦500,000 with two sureties. Mr. Olalekan was remanded at the Ibara Correctional Centre pending the perfection of his bail conditions.
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The government has urged the public and the media to exercise restraint and allow the judicial process to reach a conclusion without interference from unverified rumors. The case has been adjourned until April 14, 2026, for further hearing.