The Local Government Inspector of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State, Mr. Abbas Olalekan, has been arraigned before an Isabo Magistrates’ Court in the state capital over alleged conspiracy and attempted procurement of abortion.

Olalekan’s arraignment followed the death of a female corps member, Miss Victoria Ariyo, who reportedly died last Tuesday from pregnancy-related complications.

The prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police Lawrence Olu-Balogun, told the court that the defendant committed the offences between January and March at the Ikereku area of Laderin, Abeokuta.

Olalekan pleaded not guilty to the two charges preferred against him.

Counsel to the defendant, Mr. Bunmi Adelabu, applied for bail in the most liberal terms, citing Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

The magistrate, Mrs. A. K. Araba, granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦500,000, with two sureties in like sum. She ruled that one of the sureties must be a blood relative, while the other must be gainfully employed.

Araba also ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Ibara Correctional Centre pending the perfection of the bail conditions.

The case was subsequently adjourned until April 14 for further hearing.

Ariyo, who was serving in a local government office, allegedly died from complications following the termination of her pregnancy.

Sources alleged that the LGI and the deceased were in a relationship, which led to the pregnancy.

In a statement issued last Saturday, the NYSC Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Caroline Embu, confirmed that a staff member of the agency was under investigation in connection with the incident.

She said the NYSC was “deeply saddened by the loss of a corps member… under circumstances that are currently being investigated.”

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and pray for the peaceful repose of her soul,” the statement added.