An official of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Ogun State, Abass Olalekan, has been remanded in custody for 60 days following his re-arraignment over the death of a female corps member, Victoria Ariyo. Olalekan serves as the Local Government Inspector (LGI) in Abeokuta South and now faces an amended four-count charge that includes alleged murder.
The 23-year-old Ariyo reportedly died two weeks ago from complications linked to a suspected abortion procedure. Sources revealed that she had been in a romantic relationship with Olalekan and was pregnant prior to her death, raising questions about his involvement.
The case escalated after prosecutors upgraded the initial charges of conspiracy and attempt to procure abortion to include murder. This significant change prompted the court to reconsider Olalekan’s bail status, which had previously been set at N500,000 during his first arraignment.
During proceedings at the Magistrate Court in Abeokuta, police counsel Solomon Babalola requested that Olalekan be remanded for 60 days pending legal advice from the Ogun State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). Magistrate O.T. Odubanjo approved the request, ordering Olalekan be held at the Oba Correctional Centre.
The court adjourned the case to June 1 for further proceedings, giving authorities additional time to investigate the circumstances surrounding Ariyo’s death. The new murder charge has effectively nullified Olalekan’s previous bail, keeping him in detention as the legal process continues.