Court gavel
An Abeokuta court has granted bail to Abass Olalekan, popularly known as Ola Kamara, a Local Government Inspector (LGI) with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Abeokuta South, following his arraignment on charges of conspiracy and attempted procurement of abortion.
The 27-year-old officer was detained by police after the death of a female corps member, Victoria Ariyo, who served in the Abeokuta South Local Government Area. Victoria reportedly died on Tuesday following complications linked to a terminated pregnancy and was later buried at Kobape Cemetery along the Kobape-Sagamu Road.
Speaking after the court session, Olalekan’s lawyer questioned the credibility of the prosecution’s case, noting that the charge specified an “attempt to procure abortion with drugs” but failed to mention any specific medication.
“If you are to give somebody drugs, where is a nurse?” the lawyer asked, pointing to gaps in the investigation and the lack of medical statements supporting claims that drugs were administered.
Citing legal principles, the defence emphasized that Olalekan is presumed innocent until proven guilty under Section 36(5) of the Constitution. They further noted that the charges under Sections 516 and 230 do not carry capital punishment, making bail a constitutional right under the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL).
The prosecution had listed five witnesses, but only one appeared in court—a fact that drew the judge’s concern over the relevance of proceeding with such limited testimony.
While expressing sympathy for any alleged victim, the defence insisted that justice must be balanced. “Justice is not only to the victim but also to the defendant. An innocent man must not be punished,” the lawyer stated.
