By Prosper Mene
Authorities in Ogun State have detained a senior National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) official following the tragic death of a female corps member, sparking concerns over corps member welfare and ethical conduct during national service.
Abass Olalekan, the Local Government Inspector (LGI) for Abeokuta South Local Government Area, is currently in custody at the Ogun State Police Command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta. The detention relates to the death of Victoria Ariyo, a corps member deployed to the same local government.
According to reports from credible sources, Victoria Ariyo died due to complications from a terminated pregnancy. Her remains were buried at Kobape Cemetery along the Kobape-Sagamu Road in Abeokuta.
Allegations circulating in multiple accounts suggest that Olalekan was in a romantic relationship with the deceased, which reportedly led to the pregnancy and the subsequent procedure that proved fatal. While police have not officially confirmed the exact nature of his involvement, sources indicate he is considered a key figure in the events leading to her death.
Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed that the case is under active investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). “I can confirm that the case of the demise of Victoria Ariyo is under investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department,” he stated, without elaborating on arrests or specific allegations.
This incident becomes the second reported death of a female corps member in Abeokuta South LGA within the past month, following the mysterious passing of another corps member, Adeleye Mary. The back-to-back tragedies have intensified public scrutiny of NYSC operations, oversight mechanisms, and the safety of young graduates, especially women during their mandatory service year.
Neither the NYSC national or state secretariat nor the police command has released a comprehensive official statement detailing the circumstances or next steps in the probe. Investigations remain ongoing, with potential charges pending forensic and witness findings.
The case has ignited widespread online discussions and calls for reforms within the NYSC scheme, including stricter guidelines on interactions between officials and corps members, improved welfare support, and better access to healthcare for service participants.
Further developments are anticipated as authorities work to establish the full facts surrounding this heartbreaking loss.
