Outrage As Lagos Govt Delays Appeal Against Olaleye’s Rape Conviction Reversal

Despite widespread condemnation from civil society organizations (CSOs), the Lagos State Government has yet to file an appeal against the Court of Appeal’s decision to overturn the rape conviction of Dr. Femi Olaleye.

Dr. Olaleye, a medical practitioner and Managing Director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, was initially convicted in October 2023 by the Lagos Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court for child defilement and sexual assault by penetration.

However, in November 2023, the Court of Appeal nullified the conviction, citing significant errors in the lower court’s ruling. The appellate court described the prosecution’s evidence as “tainted” and “unreliable,” ultimately leading to Olaleye’s acquittal.

In response to the ruling, CSOs submitted a petition to Lagos State Attorney General Lawal Pedro, SAN, urging an appeal to the Supreme Court. They stressed that pursuing the case was critical to upholding public confidence in the justice system. The deadline for filing the appeal is December 28, 2024.

Nevertheless, sources within the Lagos State Ministry of Justice revealed that no concrete plans have been made to challenge the appellate court’s decision. Although the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) reportedly prepared the grounds for appeal and submitted them to the Attorney General’s office, no further action has been taken.

Speaking at a recent press briefing at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) office in Lagos, Josephine Effah-Chukwuma, founder of Project Alert, read the petition addressed to the Attorney General. She underscored the case’s significance, warning of its far-reaching implications for justice and public trust.

The petition was signed by prominent activists, including Itoro Eze-Anaba of the Mirabel Centre, Bisi Ajayi-Kayode of the Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre, Kingsley Egbulem of Men Against Rape, and Toyin Taiwo-Ojo of Stop the Abuse Against Women and Children Foundation.