The Court of Appeal in Lagos will deliver its judgment tomorrow, Friday, on the appeal filed by Dr. Olufemi Olaleye, the Medical Director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation. He is challenging his conviction and life sentence for the defilement and sexual assault of a minor.
The notice of the judgment was sent to all parties in the case, which was confirmed by the parties to Channels Television on Thursday.
In October 2023, Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court sentenced Dr. Olaleye to life imprisonment after he was found guilty of defiling his wife’s 16-year-old niece. Justice Oshodi stated that the Lagos State Government provided compelling evidence that proved the charges against Olaleye.
The court took into account Olaleye’s confessional statement, made to his former lawyer, Mr. Olalekan Buruji, and the Divisional Police Officer at the Anthony Police Station, Lagos. Despite Olaleye’s denial of the confession during the trial, the court ruled it as credible. The judge also described Olaleye as a dangerous offender who showed no remorse.
The court directed that Olaleye’s name be added to the Sexual Offences Register of Lagos State.
During the trial, Olaleye’s wife, Aderemi Olaleye, testified that she learned of the abuse after the victim confided in her and the family’s driver. The victim alleged that Dr. Olaleye had been abusing her since March 2020, introduced her to pornography, and threatened her life if she revealed the abuse.
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The offences violated Sections 137 and 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Dissatisfied with the ruling, Dr. Olaleye filed an appeal in November 2023, seeking to overturn the conviction. His lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kemi Pinheiro, argued that the lower court made an error by accepting the victim’s age as 16 without direct evidence and also questioned the absence of birth witnesses.
Following the hearing of the appeal on September 24, 2024, the appellate court panel, which includes Justices Olukayode Bada, Mohammad Ibrahim Sirajo, and Folasade Ayodeji Ojo, has reserved its judgment. The ruling is expected to provide clarity on this high-profile case.
