A tragic incident has unfolded in Ogun State as a serving official of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Abass Olalekan, has been taken into police custody following the death of a female corps member, Victoria Ariyo.
Ariyo, who was serving in the Abeokuta South Local Government Area, reportedly died on Tuesday due to complications linked to a terminated pregnancy. Sources revealed that she had undergone an abortion procedure, after which her health deteriorated, leading to her death.
Her remains were subsequently laid to rest at Kobape Cemetery along the Kobape-Sagamu Road in Abeokuta.
The incident has sparked widespread concern, particularly as it occurred barely a month after another female corps member, Adeleye Mary, died under mysterious circumstances in the same local government area. Mary, who was also serving in Abeokuta South, had been posted to Ogun State Television (OGTV) as her Place of Primary Assignment.
According to sources, the two deceased corps members were close friends. Mary was reportedly found lifeless in her residence near her place of assignment, with the cause of her death yet to be determined.
In the latest case, allegations have emerged linking Olalekan, who serves as the Local Government Inspector (LGI) for Abeokuta South, to the events leading to Ariyo’s death. Sources claim he was involved in a romantic relationship with the deceased, which allegedly resulted in the pregnancy that was later terminated.
A police source confirmed that Olalekan is currently in custody at the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, and noted that investigations are ongoing. The source also raised concerns about the propriety and legality of an official engaging in a relationship with a corps member under his supervision.
However, authorities have clarified that there is no established connection between Ariyo’s death and the earlier incident involving Adeleye Mary.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, stated that the case is under active investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department.
“I can confirm that the case of the demise of Victoria Ariyo is under investigation,” Babaseyi said, without providing further details on the arrest or allegations.
Efforts to reach the NYSC spokesperson in the state, Emmanuel Igba, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the welfare, safety, and oversight of corps members, particularly regarding relationships between officials and those under their supervision.