Child protection activists seek appeal for Supreme Court to “thoroughly adjudicate” the case
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Child protection and women’s rights activists have asked the Lagos State government to appeal the recent Court of Appeal ruling that quashed the conviction of doctor Femi Olaleye over alleged defilement and sexual assault of an under-aged girl.
Olaleye, who heads the Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, Lagos, which provides 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.
Judge Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on 24 October 2023 convicted and sentenced Olaleye to life imprisonment for the crime.
But the Court of Appeal in Lagos overturned the conviction on 29 November 2024 and discharged and acquitted him after determining that the trial court’s judgment was flawed.
A joint petition issued by the rights groups has urged the Lagos State Ministry of Justice to escalate the case to the Supreme Court.
Signatories to the petition 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.
They also include 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.
The groups acknowledged the authority of the Court of Appeal but 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,” the petition said.
“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 stressed that appealing to the Supreme Court is crucial for restoring public trust in the justice system and showcasing the state government’s commitment to upholding justice, accountability, and societal values.
It said international observers are closely monitoring the case, underscoring the need for Nigeria to 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.”
The activists expressed gratitude to the Lagos government for its prosecution of child abuse and sexual violence and urged it to remain resolute as a “beacon of hope, progress, and security” in the fight.
“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.”
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