Olawunmi Ajibike
The Ogun State Government has taken over the prosecution of a case involving an official of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Abass Olalekan, while dismissing circulating claims questioning the strength of evidence against him.
Olalekan, a Local Government Inspector in Abeokuta South, was arraigned on March 23, 2026, before Magistrate Court 1 in Isabo, Abeokuta, on a two-count charge. He was subsequently granted bail—a development the government says has been widely misinterpreted by the public.
In a statement, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade, clarified that the bail granted was strictly due to the bailable nature of the charges and does not indicate the quality or strength of the prosecution’s evidence.
The Attorney-General’s office confirmed it has formally assumed control of the case after receiving the case file from the State Police Command.
According to the government, the charges stem from findings of a police investigation alleging that Olalekan was in a relationship with the deceased, Victoria Olapeju Ariyo, who was reportedly pregnant at the time of her death.
Investigators further allege that the suspect encouraged the termination of the pregnancy, recommended a person to carry out the procedure, and provided financial support. The deceased was said to have died following the procedure.
The state government described claims suggesting weak evidence and missing witnesses as “false and misleading,” stressing that the matter is still at a preliminary stage.
It emphasized that all issues relating to evidence would be addressed during trial and cautioned against speculation that could erode public confidence in the judicial process.
The Attorney-General also urged the public and the media to allow due process to take its course and disregard unverified information surrounding the case.