CSOs urge Lagos AG to appeal court’s decision upturning Olaleye’s rape conviction

In November 2022, Dr. Olaleye was arraigned by the Lagos State government on charges of child defilement and sexual assault by penetration. The victim, a minor who was reportedly the niece of Olaleye’s wife, was allegedly sexually abused over a period of 20 months.

In October 2023, the Lagos Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court convicted Olaleye of the charges, sentencing him to life imprisonment for rape.

However, in November 2023, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal in Lagos overturned the conviction, citing errors in the lower court’s judgment.

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The appellate court ruled that the evidence provided by the survivor and wife was ‘tainted’ and ‘unreliable,’ leading to his acquittal.

At a briefing at the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC,) office in Lagos, Josephine Effah-Chukwuma, founder of Project Alert, read the petition submitted to the state Attorney-General. Effah-Chukwuma highlighted the critical importance of appealing the decision, emphasising that the case’s outcome has far-reaching implications for justice and public trust.

“The international community and Nigerians at large are keenly observing the case. Sexual violence against children is one of the most heinous crimes, and allowing perpetrators to walk free sends the wrong message about how seriously such offences are treated in our country,” she said.

The petition underscored the need for the Supreme Court to adjudicate on the matter, arguing that the judgment of the appellate court could embolden offenders and undermine efforts to combat sexual violence.
The CSOs appealed to the Lagos State government to demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding the rights of children and ensuring justice for survivors of sexual violence.

“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.”

CSOs urge Lagos AG to appeal court’s decision upturning Olaleye’s rape conviction