An official of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Ogun State has been taken into police custody following the tragic death of a female corps member linked to complications from a terminated pregnancy.
Abass Olalekan, the Local Government Inspector (LGI) for Abeokuta South Local Government Area, was arrested after Victoria Ariyo, a corps member serving under his supervision, died on Tuesday.
Sources allege that Ariyo died from complications following an abortion, and that Olalekan was romantically involved with her, resulting in the pregnancy that led to the procedure. According to reports, the LGI verbally announced her death, mobilized fellow corps members to arrange her burial, and her remains were interred at Kobape Cemetery along the Kobape-Sagamu Road in Abeokuta.
The incident has drawn renewed attention as it follows the mysterious death of another female corps member, Adeleye Mary Ariyo’s friend barely a month earlier. Mary, also serving in Abeokuta South LGA and attached to Ogun State Television (OGTV) for her primary assignment, died under unclear circumstances.
A police source confirmed Olalekan’s detention, stating: “He is in our custody at the command’s headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta.”
The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, declined to comment on the arrest or alleged involvement when contacted. However, he affirmed that the matter is under active probe.
“I can confirm that the case of the demise of Victoria Ariyo is under investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department,” Babaseyi said in a brief statement.
Authorities have yet to release further details on the cause of death, the circumstances of the alleged relationship, or potential charges against the detained NYSC official as investigations continue.
