By Sunday Ameh
The family of Ariyo Victoria Olapeju, a corps member who died following a controversial abortion in Abeokuta South, has called for justice, insisting that those responsible must be held accountable.
Speaking during an interview on Eagle 102.5 FM, counsel to the family, Adebola Adeyemo, detailed the circumstances surrounding the death, alleging abuse of authority, conspiracy, and gross misconduct.
According to Adeyemo, the deceased was deployed under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to Cross River State before being redeployed to Abeokuta South, where she was placed under the supervision of a Local Government Inspector (LGI).
She alleged that the corps member became involved in a relationship with the LGI, which resulted in pregnancy.
“The LGI impregnated her and later facilitated an abortion through a nurse. Unfortunately, the pregnancy was ectopic, and the procedure was not properly conducted, leading to complications that caused her death,” Adeyemo said.
The family’s lawyer described the relationship as exploitative, citing the power imbalance between the LGI and the corps member.
“The duty of the LGI is to protect corps members under their supervision. Any relationship outside that scope, particularly one that leads to such an outcome, is exploitative,” she stated.
Adeyemo further alleged that police investigations uncovered a conspiracy involving the LGI and the nurse who carried out the abortion, adding that the LGI allegedly paid for the procedure.
Concerns have also been raised over the handling of the case by the police.
Adeyemo disclosed that the LGI was initially arraigned on charges of conspiracy and attempt to procure abortion, but the charge sheet did not reflect that the procedure led to the death of the corps member.
She criticised what she described as an attempt to downplay the severity of the case, noting that key evidence and witness statements—including that of the nurse—were initially excluded.
“We lost confidence in the investigation and petitioned the Attorney General to take over the case,” she said.
Following the petition, the Ogun State Attorney General has taken over the prosecution of the case.
The nurse involved has since been arraigned on multiple counts, including conspiracy, unlawful attempt to procure abortion, and murder.
The matter has been adjourned to April 14, 2026, when further proceedings, including possible consolidation of charges, are expected.
The Elegant Nurses Forum (ENF) has issued a statement defending the nurse, claiming she is not culpable.
However, Adeyemo dismissed the position, stressing that only the court has the authority to determine guilt or innocence.
“They can support their member, but they cannot interfere in criminal proceedings,” she said.
The case has sparked renewed debate over the safety and welfare of corps members across Nigeria.
Adeyemo urged corps members to report any form of abuse or inappropriate relationships with supervisors, advising them to involve parents and escalate concerns to higher authorities within the NYSC structure.
“This tragedy highlights the urgent need for stronger safeguards and strict enforcement of professional boundaries,” she added.
As the case progresses, attention remains on ensuring a transparent legal process and justice for the late corps member.
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