The Lagos Appeal Court has overturned the rape conviction of Dr. Femi Olaleye, managing director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation. Olaleye had been sentenced to life imprisonment in October 2023 for child defilement and sexual assault. The appeal court ruled that the lower court made a judgment error.
The Lagos Appeal Court has overturned the conviction of Dr. Femi Olaleye, the managing director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, on charges of rape. The court ruled on November 29, 2024, that the lower court made an error in its judgment, leading to Olaleye’s discharge and acquittal.
In October 2023, Olaleye was convicted by the Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Lagos on two charges: child defilement and sexual assault by penetration. The court sentenced him to life imprisonment under Judge Rahman Oshodi. However, the Appeal Court's ruling reversed this decision, bringing an unexpected turn in the case.
Olaleye’s conviction had sparked controversy, drawing mixed reactions from the public. Some expressed disbelief over the appeal ruling, while others questioned the fairness of the judicial process, particularly in high-profile cases involving influential individuals.
Despite the overturning of his conviction, the case has raised questions about the strength of evidence in sensitive cases of sexual assault and defilement. Legal experts and activists have called for reforms to ensure consistency and justice in handling such cases. Olaleye’s legal victory has left many wondering about the role of public influence in the judicial process.
