CSOs demand appeal of Lagos doctor’s overturned conviction

A coalition of child protection and women’s rights organisations has called on the Lagos State Government to appeal the recent Court of Appeal ruling that overturned the conviction of a medical doctor, Dr. Femi Olaleye, for the alleged defilement and sexual assault of a minor.

The Lagos doctor, who heads the Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, known for providing free breast and cervical cancer screening for women, was accused of sexually assaulting his wife’s niece for over a year until the abuse was discovered and reported to the police by his wife.

On October 24, 2023, Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court convicted and sentenced Olaleye to life imprisonment for the offence.

However, on November 29, 2024, the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, overturned Olaleye’s conviction. The court discharged and acquitted him after determining that the trial court’s judgement was flawed.

In a joint petition issued on Tuesday, the rights groups urged the Lagos State Ministry of Justice to escalate the case to the Supreme Court.

The groups that signed the petition, made available to PUNCH Metro, include Mirabel Centre, Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre, Child Protection Network Lagos State, Men Against Rape, Stop the Abuse Against Women and Children Foundation, and Tonia Bruised But Not Broken Rape Survivors Foundation.

Other signatories are Family Wellness Therapy Centre, Kate Henshaw, Project Alert, Ireti Psycho-social Support Centre, Centre for Women’s Health and Information, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre, Federation of International Women Lawyers, and the Community Women’s Rights Foundation.

While acknowledging the authority of the Court of Appeal, the rights groups expressed confidence that the case warrants further review by the Supreme Court, noting the lack of consensus between the lower and appellate courts.

“This suggests that the Supreme Court may also not agree with the decision of the Court of Appeal, the same way the Court of Appeal was dissatisfied with the decision of the High Court.

“It is our position that to maintain the mental sanity of the victim, the families of the victim, and the members of the various organisations mentioned herein, it will be fair, just, and by sound reasoning to appeal the decision of the Court of Appeal.

“Sir, the entire world and the international community are interested in the outcome of the charge at the Supreme Court. Our country must be seen as protecting her women and young children.”

The coalition emphasised that appealing to the Supreme Court was crucial for restoring public trust in the justice system and showcasing the state government’s commitment to upholding justice, accountability, and societal values.

The groups further highlighted that international observers were closely monitoring the case, emphasising that the country must be seen as safeguarding its women and children.

“Allowing the acquittal of an individual once convicted of such a serious crime sends the wrong signal to potential offenders, and we believe that the pursuit of this case to the Supreme Court is essential to demonstrate that sexual violence against children will not be tolerated and those who commit such offences will face the full wrath of the law.

“We therefore respectfully urge your office, in the interest of justice, public policy, and the rule of law, to take immediate and necessary steps to appeal this decision to the Supreme Court, so that the case may be thoroughly adjudicated, and justice may be duly served.”

“Pursuing this course of action will not only provide the parties directly involved with a sense of peace and assurance, but it will also assure them that the ultimate decision now rests in the hands of the apex court, which holds the finality of the case.

“This step will ensure the full administration of justice and uphold the rule of law without deviation or compromise.”

They expressed their gratitude to the Lagos State Government and urged it to remain resolute as a “beacon of hope, progress, and security” in the fight against child abuse and sexual violence.

“Pursuing this course of action will not only provide the parties directly involved with a sense of peace and assurance, but it will also assure them that the ultimate decision now rests in the hands of the apex court, which holds the finality of the case.

“This step will ensure the full administration of justice and uphold the rule of law without deviation or compromise,” the petitioners concluded.