Lagos govt was responding to petition sent to the Lagos Attorney General, Lawal Pedro by several civil society organisations (CSOs)
By Kehinde Okeowo
Following agitation from child protection activists, the Lagos State Government has announced that it will challenge the Appeal Court’s ruling which overturned the conviction of the Managing Director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation medical, Dr Femi Olaleye, who was accused of defiling his wife’s niece.
Lagos govt had earlier brought a case of child defilement and sexual assault by penetration against Olaleye at the special offences and domestic violence court.
In October, the court convicted him on a two-count charge of defilement of a child and Justice Rahman Oshodi sentenced him to life imprisonment.
However, in November 2024, the Court of Appeal overturned the conviction, citing errors in the lower court’s judgment.
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The appellate court went on to discharge and acquit Olaleye.
In response to the verdict, several civil society organisations (CSOs) jointly petitioned the Lagos Attorney General, Lawal Pedro, SAN, urging him to challenge the decision at the Supreme Court to restore public trust in the justice system.
Following the public outcry, the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led government said it was heading to the Supreme Court to challenge the judgement and if possible, overturn the Court of Appeal’s decision.
According to TVC News, the Lagos govt has now filed a notice informing all parties concerned that it is heading to the apex court in the country for a final decision on the matter.
TheNiche had earlier reported that the Dr Olaleye would have walked away unchallenged had Lagos government failed to meet the December 28, 2024 deadline for filing the appeal.