The Ogun State Government has refuted rumours circulating online about the strength of evidence in the case against Abass Olalekan, a Local Government Inspector with the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, in Abeokuta South.

DAILY POST reported that Olalekan was arrested and arraigned on Monday before Magistrate Court 1 in Isabo, Abeokuta, following the death of Victoria Ariyo, a corps member.

Ariyo, who served under the Abeokuta South Local Government Area of the NYSC, where Olalekan works as the Local Government Inspector (LGI), reportedly died from pregnancy complications.

According to sources, Ariyo, who served under the Abeokuta South Local Government Area of the NYSC, was in a romantic relationship with Olalekan, which eventually led to pregnancy and a termination that resulted in her death.

Olalekan, aged 43, appeared before the presiding magistrate, A. K. Araba, on a two-count charge of conspiracy and attempt to procure abortion. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail of N500,000.

Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), the Attorney General and Ogun Commissioner for Justice, in a statement on Monday clarified that the issuance of bail was based only on the bailable nature of the charges and does not take into account the quality or strength of the evidence.

Ogungbade disclosed that his office had taken over the prosecution of the case after receiving the case file from the State Police Command.

He emphasised that the case is still in its formative stages and described allegations casting doubt on the reliability of the evidence and suggesting missing witnesses as “false and misleading.”

The statement reads in part: “The charges are based on findings from a police investigation alleging that Mr. Olalekan was in a relationship with the deceased, Victoria Olapeju Ariyo, who was reportedly pregnant at the time of her death.

“The investigation further alleges that he encouraged the termination of the pregnancy, recommended an individual to carry out the procedure, and provided financial support for it. The deceased was said to have died following the procedure.”

The statement added that questions about the evidence would be decided during the trial and cautioned against speculation that could erode public trust in the judicial system.

The attorney general advised members of the public and the media to ignore unconfirmed information circulating about the case and to allow the court process to run its course.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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