By Oluwatoyin Adegoke
The Local Government Inspector of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State, Abbas Olalekan, has been arraigned before an Isaboq Magistrate Court in Abeokuta over alleged conspiracy and attempt to procure abortion.
Olalekan was docked following the death of a female corps member, Victoria Ariyo, who was serving in Abeokuta South and reportedly died last week from pregnancy-related complications.
The prosecutor, Mr Lawrence Olu-Balogun, told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offenses between January and March at Ikereku area of Laderin, Abeokuta.
Olalekan, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Counsel to the defendant, Bunmi Adelabu, applied for bail in the most liberal terms, citing Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
In her ruling, the Magistrate, Mrs A.K. Araba, granted the defendant bail in the sum of five hundred thousand naira with two sureties in like sum. One of which must be a blood relative while the other must be gainfully employed.
The magistrate also ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Ibara Correctional Centre pending perfection of the bail conditions.
The case was adjourned until April 14 for further hearing.
Edited by Titilayo Kupoliyi
