An Ogun State Magistrate Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, has ordered the remand of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) official, Abass Olalekan, for 60 days over his alleged involvement in an unlawful abortion said to have led to the death of a 23-year-old corps member, Victoria Ariyo.
The ruling, delivered on Monday by Magistrate O.T. Odubanjo, followed an ex parte application filed by the police prosecuting counsel, Solomon Babalola, after fresh and more serious charges were brought against the defendant.
Akahi News gathered that Olalekan has been remanded at the Oba Correctional Centre, Abeokuta, pending legal advice from the Ogun State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Case Takes New Turn with Murder Charge
The case, which initially began as a two-count charge of conspiracy and attempt to procure abortion, took a dramatic turn following the defendant’s re-arraignment on amended charges that now include murder.
At his earlier arraignment before Magistrate A.K. Araba, Olalekan had pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N500,000 with additional conditions.
However, developments in the investigation led to the filing of fresh charges, significantly escalating the gravity of the case.
The defendant now faces a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, supply of drugs for unlawful abortion, and murder.
Details of the Allegations
According to the charge sheet presented in court, the defendant, alongside others said to be at large, allegedly conspired between January and March 2026 at the Ikereku area of Laderin, Abeokuta, to commit the offence of abortion.
He is further accused of unlawfully supplying drugs to the deceased, Ariyo Victoria Olapeju, in a bid to terminate a pregnancy allegedly linked to him.
The prosecution alleges that the abortion attempt resulted in the death of the young corps member, thereby forming the basis for the murder charge now levelled against the defendant.
Akahi News learnt that the offences are said to contravene several provisions of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, including Sections 516, 230, 324, and 319.
Court Orders Remand Pending Legal Advice
During proceedings, the police counsel urged the court to remand the defendant for 60 days to allow for the conclusion of investigations and the issuance of legal advice by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.
Magistrate Odubanjo granted the application, ordering that Olalekan be held at the Oba Correctional Centre pending further directives from the DPP.
Legal experts note that such remand orders are common in cases involving serious allegations like murder, where jurisdictional limitations of magistrate courts necessitate further review by higher prosecutorial authorities.
Family and Public Reaction
Although official reactions from the family of the deceased have yet to be formally released, the case has stirred concern among members of the public, particularly within the NYSC community.
Observers have described the incident as deeply troubling, raising questions about welfare, accountability, and the safety of corps members during their service year.
Next Hearing Date
The case has been adjourned until June 1, 2026, for further proceedings, pending the outcome of legal advice from the DPP.
The remand of the NYSC official marks a critical stage in a case that has drawn significant attention due to its sensitive nature and the tragic loss of a young life.
As investigations continue, many await the outcome of the legal process, with expectations that justice will be served in accordance with the law.
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