…Alleges exploitation, faults police handling, seeks full prosecution of all parties involved
The family of late corps member, Ariyo Victoria Olapeju, has renewed its demand for justice following her death in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State, insisting that while her life cannot be restored, those responsible must be held accountable.
Speaking during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle FM, Ilese-Ijebu, counsel to the family, Adebola Adeyemo, described the incident as both tragic and preventable, alleging abuse of authority and procedural lapses in the handling of the case.
According to Adeyemo, the deceased was initially deployed to Cross River State under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme before her redeployment to Abeokuta South, where she was placed under the supervision of a Local Government Inspector (LGI).
“The deceased, Ariyo Victoria Olapeju, was serving in Abeokuta South Local Government. She was redeployed from Cross River State. While serving, she became involved in a relationship with the LGI, which resulted in pregnancy. The LGI facilitated an abortion through a nurse, and that process ultimately led to her death,” she said.
From Deployment to Tragedy
Adeyemo alleged that the LGI directly linked the deceased to the nurse who carried out the abortion, noting that complications from the procedure proved fatal.
“The pregnancy was ectopic, and the procedure was not properly handled. It affected her internal organs and resulted in her death,” she explained.
She described the relationship between the LGI and the corps member as exploitative, stressing that the supervisory role of the LGI imposes a duty of care.
“The relationship between an LGI and a corps member should be strictly official. Anything beyond that, especially where authority is involved, becomes exploitative,” she added.
The family’s petition to law enforcement authorities alleges conspiracy, unlawful abortion, and gross misconduct involving both the LGI and the nurse.
Adeyemo stated that preliminary findings suggested collaboration between the parties.
“The police investigation revealed elements of conspiracy in aiding and abetting the unlawful abortion. The LGI allegedly paid the nurse who carried out the procedure,” she said.
She also emphasized that the NYSC, as an institution, bears responsibility for ensuring the safety of corps members, noting that the agency has cooperated with the family during the investigation.
Concerns Over Police Prosecution
The family’s counsel raised concerns about the initial handling of the case, particularly the charges filed against the LGI.
“When we got to court, we discovered that the charge sheet did not reflect the gravity of the offence. The charges did not indicate that the abortion led to the death of the corps member,” she said.
Adeyemo further criticized what she described as attempts to downplay the case, including remarks allegedly made during proceedings.
“At that point, we lost confidence in the police handling of the matter and decided to escalate it,” she added.
Following a formal petition by the family, the Ogun State Attorney General, Oluwasina Ogungbade, has taken over the prosecution of the case.
Adeyemo confirmed that additional charges have since been filed against the nurse, including conspiracy and murder, noting that the matter has been adjourned to April 14, 2026, for further proceedings.
“Our concern was that investigations were incomplete before the case was taken to court. Key evidence and witness statements were missing. We requested the intervention of the Attorney General, and the office has now taken over,” she said.
Dispute with Nurses’ Group
The case has also sparked controversy following claims by the Elegant Nurses Forum that the nurse involved was not culpable.
Adeyemo dismissed the position, insisting that only the court has the authority to determine guilt or innocence.
“They have the right to support their member, but they cannot interfere with criminal proceedings. Investigation is for the police, while the court decides culpability,” she stated.
Call for Justice and Reform
The family maintains that the pursuit of justice goes beyond the immediate case, stressing the need to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
“We cannot reverse her death, but we want justice to be seen and done. Those responsible must be held accountable,” Adeyemo said.
She also advised corps members to report cases of harassment or exploitation promptly to appropriate authorities within the NYSC structure.
“They should speak out, involve their families, and report to the Zonal Inspector or State Coordinator. Silence can make situations worse,” she warned.
The tragic incident has reignited public debate over the safety and welfare of corps members, with stakeholders calling for stricter oversight and enforcement of professional boundaries within the NYSC scheme.
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