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By Lizzy Chirkpi
An official of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Ogun State, Abass Olalekan, has been taken into police custody following the death of a female corps member, Victoria Ariyo, in Abeokuta under circumstances that have sparked an outrage.
Ariyo, who was serving in Abeokuta South Local Government Area, reportedly died on Tuesday after complications linked to a terminated pregnancy, according to multiple sources familiar with the incident.
Her remains have since been buried at Kobape Cemetery along the Kobape-Sagamu Road, even as questions continue to mount over the circumstances surrounding her death.
The incident has drawn heightened attention amid claims that Olalekan, who serves as the Local Government Inspector (LGI) for Abeokuta South, was romantically involved with the deceased, a relationship some observers describe as inappropriate given his supervisory role.
A police source confirmed that the NYSC official is currently being held at the state police headquarters in Eleweran as investigations continue.
“The matter is under active investigation. He is in custody, and we are trying to establish the full circumstances, including the nature of their relationship,” the source said.
Another source familiar with the case raised concerns about possible abuse of office, noting that “an official entrusted with overseeing corps members is expected to maintain professional boundaries at all times.”
The death has also stirred fresh anxiety within the NYSC community in Ogun State, coming barely a month after another corps member, identified as Adeleye Mary, reportedly died under unclear circumstances in the same local government area.
Reacting to the development, a fellow corps member who spoke on condition of anonymity described the situation as troubling.
“This is heartbreaking. We are supposed to feel safe during our service year, but incidents like this raise serious concerns about our welfare and protection,” the corps member said.
When contacted, Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a thorough probe.
“Yes, the death is being investigated by the SCID. We will ensure that all facts are uncovered,” he stated, declining further comments on the arrest and allegations.
As of the time of filing this report, the NYSC authorities in Ogun State have yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
The unfolding case has intensified calls for accountability and stricter enforcement of ethical standards within the scheme