Society
Lagos Yet To Appeal Judgment Nullifying Olaleye’s Rape Conviction
has yet to file an appeal against the Court of Appeal’s judgment
Despite strong outcry from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), the Lagos State Government has yet to file an appeal against the Court of Appeal’s judgment that nullified Dr. Femi Olaleye’s rape conviction.
Dr. Olaleye, a medical practitioner and the managing director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, was charged with child defilement and sexual assault by penetration.
He was convicted by the Lagos Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court in October 2023.
However, in November 2023, the Court of Appeal overturned the conviction, citing errors in the lower court’s judgment.
The appellate court deemed the evidence provided by the prosecution to be “tainted” and “unreliable,” leading to Dr. Olaleye’s acquittal.
In response to the ruling, CSOs petitioned the Lagos Attorney General, Lawal Pedro (SAN), urging him to challenge the decision at the Supreme Court to restore public trust in the justice system.
The deadline for filing such an appeal is December 28, 2024.
However, as of the time of this report, sources within the Lagos State Ministry of Justice confirmed no appeal has been made against the judgment.
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