Both the authorities of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Police are currently in collaboration to unravel the mystery surrounding the death of a female Corps’ member serving in Ogun State, the NYSC has said.

This was disclosed through a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Information and Public Relations of NYSC, Caroline Embu in which the Scheme said it was “deeply saddened by the loss of a Corps Member… under circumstances that are currently being investigated”.

NYSC in the statement confirmed that a staff member is under investigation in connection with the incident, adding, “the deceased, identified as Victoria Ariyo, was serving in Abeokuta South Local Government Area and her death is currently being probed by the Ogun State Police Command.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and pray for the peaceful repose of her soul”, stressing further that “the matter is currently under investigation by relevant security agencies, and the individual concerned has been taken into custody”, the statement stated further.

It would be recalled that the Ogun State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi had earlier confirmed the investigation of the NYSC official, saying, “I can confirm that the case of the demise of Victoria Ariyo is under investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department”.

The deceased Corps’ member was alleged to have died from complications arising from an abortion procedure just as it was further gathered that an NYSC official, reportedly in a romantic relationship with the late Ariyo, had been taken into custody.

No official confirmation yet on the circumstances surrounding the deceased death. The NYSC however reaffirmed its stance on the acceptable relationship between its staff and Corps’ members, saying, “the Scheme maintains a strict code of conduct for its staff and Corps members and will not condone any act of misconduct or abuse of office, and we are cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities to ensure that the truth is established and that justice is served”.

NYSC equally urged restraint, noting that “while investigations are ongoing, we urge the public to refrain from speculations and allow due process to take its course”, insisting that “the welfare, safety and dignity of our Corps Members remain paramount”.

The death of Ariyo occurred in the midst of growing concern over the recent death of another corps member, Adeleye Mary, who was also serving in Abeokuta South Local Government Area. She was reportedly found lifeless in her residence near her place of primary assignment, with the cause of her death still unknown.

Both deceased corps members were said to be friends, raising unease among colleagues and residents, especially as Ariyo’s remains were reportedly buried at Kobape Cemetery along the Kobape-Sagamu Road.

The Police maintained that investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths were ongoing.