Lagos State Government has filed an appeal at the Supreme Court challenging the Appeal Court ruling which overturned the conviction of the medical director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation Dr. Femi Olaleye for allegedly defiling his wife’s niece.
On October 24, 2023, Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court presided over by Justice Rahman Oshodi convicted Olaleye.
Olaleye however filed an appeal through his lawyer Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) in November 2023.
On November 29, 2024, the Appeal Court discharged and acquitted him.
The court unanimously held that the trial court erred in convicting Olaleye based on evidence deemed “tainted” and “unreliable.”
The appellate court found material contradictions in the prosecution’s evidence including testimony from Olaleye’s estranged wife Oluremi and the alleged survivor.
Testimonies from a child forensic specialist, a medical expert from the Mirabel Centre, and the investigating officer were described as “worthless.”
The court criticised the trial judge Justice Oshodi for “descending into the arena” and intervening to fill gaps in the prosecution’s case.
The prosecution was faulted for not presenting key witnesses including two family members who were reportedly present during Olaleye’s alleged confession.
On Sunday, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency said the government was heading to the apex court to appeal the ruling.
“The Lagos State Government is heading to the Supreme Court to appeal the Court of Appeal’s decision which overturned the conviction of medical doctor, Femi Olaleye for defilement of his wife’s niece,” the agency wrote on X.
