NYSC Official Arraigned Over Alleged Abortion Plot Linked to Corps Member’s Death

NYSC Official Arraigned Over Alleged Abortion Plot Linked to Corps Member’s Death

A Local Government Inspector (LGI) of the National Youth Service Corps in Abeokuta South, Ogun State, Abbas Olalekan, has been arraigned before an Isabo Magistrate Court over alleged involvement in a conspiracy to procure an abortion.

Olalekan was docked on Monday on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and unlawful attempt to terminate a pregnancy, following the death of a female corps member, Victoria Ariyo.

The deceased reportedly died last Tuesday from complications linked to pregnancy, with allegations emerging that the defendant had been in a relationship with her, which led to the pregnancy.

During the court proceedings, the prosecutor, Inspector Lawrence Olu-Balogun, alleged that the defendant conspired with others still at large to procure an abortion by supplying drugs to the victim.

He told the court that the offences were committed between January and March in the Ikereku area of Laderin, Abeokuta, adding that the drugs administered allegedly resulted in the victim’s death.

The charges, according to the prosecution, contravene Sections 516 and 230 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.

Olalekan, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Defence counsel, Mrs. Bunmi Adelabu, urged the court to grant bail in liberal terms, arguing that the charges did not directly establish her client’s responsibility for the death of the corps member.

In her ruling, Magistrate A.K. Araba granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum. She directed that one of the sureties must be a blood relative, while the other must be gainfully employed, with both required to present valid documentation, including tax clearance and proof of residence.

Pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions, the court ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Ibara Correctional Centre.

The case was adjourned to April 14 for further hearing.