The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal will deliver its verdict on Friday, November 29 on the appeal filed by Dr. Femi Olaleye, the medical director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, who was convicted of rape.
Olaleye was sentenced to life imprisonment in October 2023 by Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court for allegedly raping his wife’s teenage niece. The court found the prosecution’s case against him compelling.
However, in November 2023, Olaleye’s lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) challenged the conviction, arguing that the prosecution failed to provide direct evidence of the victim’s age. Pinheiro noted that no documentation was presented to confirm the claim that the alleged victim was 16 years old at the time of the offence.
The defence also highlighted inconsistencies in the victim’s testimony, pointing out that she did not initially accuse Olaleye of rape in her police statement.
The prosecution countered these claims, asserting that it had proven the offences of defilement and sexual assault by penetration beyond a reasonable doubt, supporting the original conviction.
The appeal is being reviewed by a panel of three justices: Justice Olukayode Bada, Justice Mohammad Sirajo and Justice Folasade Ojo.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court reserved its decision, which will be announced on Friday.
