The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has finally confirmed that one of its staff members is under investigation following the death of a female corps member in Abeokuta, Ogun State, in a case that has raised serious questions about the safety and welfare of young Nigerians serving under the scheme.
The scheme's Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, confirmed the development in a statement on Saturday, describing the incident as tragic and urging the public to avoid speculation while Investigations are ongoing.
The deceased corps member, Victoria Ariyo, was serving in Abeokuta South Local Government Area at the time of her death. Sources familiar with the matter alleged that she died from complications following an abortion procedure, and that an NYSC official linked to the deceased has been taken into custody. The Ogun State Police Command confirmed through its spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, that the State Criminal Investigation Department has taken over the case.
The NYSC stated that it maintains strict codes of conduct for staff and corps members and would not tolerate misconduct or abuse of office.
The situation has been further complicated by reports that a second corps member, Adeleye Mary, who was also serving in Abeokuta South Local Government Area, was found dead in her residence. The cause of her death remains unknown, and investigations into both cases are ongoing.
The NYSC extended condolences to the families of both deceased corps members. The deaths come at a time when the scheme is already under pressure over broader concerns about the safety of corps members during their service year, with calls from parents and civil society groups for stronger institutional protections growing louder in recent months.
