Ogun corps member’s death: family demands accountability, justice

The family of the late corps member, Ariyo Victoria Olapeju, has called for accountability and justice following her death due to alleged complications from an abortion.

Counsel to the family, Adebola Adeyemi, stated this while featuring on a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, on Monday, noting that all parties involved in her case must be held accountable.

The lawyer said the death of the corps member, who was serving at Abeokuta South Local Government of Ogun State before her demise, cannot be reversed, but insisted that justice must be served.

She explained that the deceased was initially deployed to Cross River State under the NYSC scheme before being redeployed to Abeokuta South Local Government.

“The deceased was Ariyo Victoria Olapeju, a serving corps member at Abeokuta South Local Government of Ogun State. She was was initially deployed to Cross River State for her service by NYSC scheme. And later she got redeployed to Abeokuta South Local Government. So she was placed under the supervision of the LGI of Abeokuta South Local Government. And while she was there, somehow she got engaged in a relationship with the LGI of the local government. And from there, it led to pregnancy. The LGI impregnated her. And later, an abortion was carried out, facilitated by the help of the LGI and another person, a nurse. And presently, which later led to the death of the NYSC corps member, that’s Ariyo Victoria Olapeju,” the counsel revealed.

Adeyemi stressed that the family’s pursuit of justice goes beyond the tragedy, noting that it aims to safeguard future corps members.

We want justice to be seen and done. Those responsible, including the LGI and any accomplices, must be held accountable. The nurse will face court proceedings as necessary.

“The LGI provided the deceased with the contact of the nurse. She called the nurse and the abortion was carried out. Unfortunately, the pregnancy was ectopic. The procedure was not properly conducted and affected her internal organs, which led to her death,” she explained.

The counsel described the relationship as exploitative, highlighting what she termed an abuse of authority.

“Yes, ordinarily, the relationship that also exists between a LGI, a local government inspector, and a corps member of NYSC should be strictly official. But when you find a situation where the corps member gets involved in a relationship, then we can call it exploitative. At that time, the office of the LGI is to ensure it safeguards the corps members placed under its supervision. So, anything outside that scope shows it is exploitative. You can tag it exploitative. Anything illicit, if an LGI who occupies a position of trust uses that position in the relationship, we call it exploitative.”

The family’s petition to the police alleges gross misconduct, sexual exploitation, and conspiracy against the LGI. “During the investigation, the police discovered that there was a conspiracy in aiding and abetting the unlawful abortion,” Adeyemi said.

She added that the nurse who carried out the abortion is also being held responsible.

“There is a case of conspiracy and unlawful abortion involving the LGI, the deceased, and the nurse. The LGI paid the nurse for her role in the procedure.

“NYSC must safeguard corps members and ensure that harassment and exploitation are forbidden. They have been cooperating with us, attending the police station with family members, and providing support.”