The Lagos State Government has vowed to challenge the recent decision of the Court of Appeal that overturned the conviction of Dr. Femi Olaleye, the Managing Director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, who was sentenced for the defilement of his wife’s niece. The state government has made it clear that it will take its fight to the Supreme Court, seeking to restore what it considers justice in the high-profile case that has sparked widespread debate.
Olaleye’s case has been one of the most controversial legal battles in recent months, and the state’s move to challenge the Appeal Court’s decision marks another significant chapter in the ongoing saga.
The Appeal Court’s Overturn: A Surprise Ruling
On December 27, 2024, the Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos shocked many when it voided the conviction of Femi Olaleye, who had been sentenced to life imprisonment in October 2024 by the Lagos Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court. The lower court had found Olaleye guilty on two counts: the defilement of a child and sexual assault by penetration. Justice Rahman Oshodi, who presided over the trial at the lower court, had sentenced Olaleye to life imprisonment after a lengthy trial that had captured public attention.
However, in a dramatic reversal, the appellate court ruled that the trial court had erred in its judgment. The three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, led by Justice Oyebisi Folayemi, declared that the evidence presented by the prosecution was tainted and unreliable. As a result, the court discharged and acquitted Olaleye, setting the stage for a legal showdown.
Lagos State Government’s Response
In response to the court’s decision, the Lagos State Government, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed its firm intention to seek justice through the Supreme Court. The government has filed a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal, signaling its plan to take the matter to the highest court in the land.
The state’s Attorney General, Lawal Pedro (SAN), has publicly stated that the government believes the Appeal Court’s decision could undermine public confidence in the legal system and potentially set a dangerous precedent. Pedro argued that the acquittal was based on flawed reasoning, particularly the court’s assessment of the evidence presented during the trial.
“We are disappointed with the Court of Appeal’s ruling. The conviction was the result of a thorough investigation and trial. We believe that the decision to acquit Dr. Olaleye was unjust, and we are determined to pursue this matter to the Supreme Court to ensure that justice is served,” said Pedro.
The decision has ignited fierce debate, with civil rights organizations and legal experts divided on the implications of the court’s ruling.
Civil Rights Groups Push for Justice
Several civil society organizations, including the Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund (NWTF) and the Feminist Movement of Nigeria, have voiced strong support for the Lagos State Government’s move. These groups have called for the state to continue its pursuit of justice, arguing that the acquittal of Olaleye could discourage other victims of sexual assault from coming forward.
In a petition to the Lagos Attorney General, the civil rights groups stressed the need for the appeal process to be transparent and fair, emphasizing that a reversal of Olaleye’s conviction would signal a victory for perpetrators of sexual violence.
“We cannot allow the system to fail those who suffer in silence. The acquittal of Olaleye is a slap in the face to survivors of sexual violence. The Lagos State Government must pursue this case to the Supreme Court to restore faith in the judicial system,” stated Adebimpe Akinsanya, a spokesperson for the NWTF.
The groups have also warned that the Appeal Court’s ruling could have a chilling effect on future domestic violence and sexual assault cases. “This case is more than just about one individual; it is about the broader fight for justice for women and children across the country,” said Akinsanya.
Background of the Case
Femi Olaleye, a well-known medical professional and cancer treatment advocate, was arrested in 2023 after being accused of defiling his wife’s niece, a minor under the age of 16. The charges against him included sexual assault by penetration and defilement of a child. The prosecution had presented the case as one of extreme abuse, with the young girl’s testimony playing a central role in the conviction.
The medical doctor’s defense team, however, maintained that the charges were politically motivated, with Olaleye claiming that the accusations were fabricated. They argued that the evidence provided by the prosecution was insufficient and unreliable, leading to the Appeal Court’s decision to overturn the conviction.
Since the ruling, Olaleye’s supporters have hailed the decision as a victory for justice, with many celebrating his release. However, the victim’s family, who has yet to speak publicly on the matter, remain devastated by the development.
Public Outcry and Legal Implications
The case has sparked public outrage and divided opinion, with many Nigerians questioning the integrity of the judicial process. While some view the acquittal as a victory for the rule of law, others see it as a failure of the system to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly minors who are victims of sexual violence.
For Lagos State, the stakes are high. If the Supreme Court upholds the Appeal Court’s ruling, it would effectively end the case in Olaleye’s favor, but it could also lead to calls for reforms within the judicial system, especially concerning how evidence is handled in sensitive cases like sexual assault and child abuse.
Legal analysts are closely watching the developments, as the Supreme Court’s final decision could have far-reaching implications for future cases involving sexual violence, child abuse, and the credibility of judicial processes in Nigeria.
The Path Forward
As the Lagos State Government prepares for its appeal to the Supreme Court, all eyes will be on the judicial system’s response. The final decision on the case could not only determine the fate of Femi Olaleye but also shape the future of legal precedents regarding sexual assault cases in Nigeria.
“We will continue to pursue this matter vigorously,” said Attorney General Pedro. “It is vital that the justice system works for all Nigerians, and that includes protecting the rights of the most vulnerable in our society.”
