Groups ask LASG to appeal doctor’s acquittal in child defilement case

Nearly a month after a Lagos division of the Court of Appeal nullified the conviction of the Medical Director, Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, Dr. Femi Olaleye, some rights advocacy groups have asked the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State to consider appealing the decision of the Court of Appeal.

The groups are Mirabel Centre, Cece Yara Child Advocacy centre, Child Protection Network, Lagos State, Men Against Rape, Stop the Abuse Against Women and Children Foundation, Tonia Bruised But Not Broken Rape Survivors Foundation, Family Wellness Therapy Centre, Kate Henshaw, Project Alert and Ireti Psycho-social support Centre, Centre for Women’s Health and Information, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre, Federation of International Women Lawyers, and Community Women’s Rights Foundation,

The court on November 29, 2024 overturned the decision of the High Court of Lagos State where Dr. Femi Olaleye was convicted on a two-count charge of defilement and sexual assault by penetration of a minor.

But the groups, which gathered in Balogun, Alausa, Lagos, said while they are not in a position to fault the decision of the Court of Appeal, they are of the opinion that the verdict can be appealed to the Apex Court.

According to them, the judgment is not a concurrent decision of the High Court and the Court of Appeal, which 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 group stated that it will be fair, just and in accordance with sound reasoning to appeal the decision of the Court of Appeal to maintain the mental sanity of the victim, the families of the victim and the members of the various organisations involved in the matter.

Making the call on behalf of the groups, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Bamidele Ibironke, said: “The world is interested in the outcome of the charge at the Supreme Court. Our country must be seen as protecting her women and young children.

“As you are aware, sexual violence against children is one of the most heinous crimes in any society. If those who commit such horrific crimes are allowed to walk free, it will embolden other perpetrators and send the wrong message about the seriousness with which sexual offences are handled.

“We 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.

“We firmly believe that pursuing this matter to the Supreme Court, the apex court in the land, is essential to restoring and strengthening public trust in the justice system. It will also send a clear message that Lagos State being the focal point of upholding a zero-tolerance policy to SGBV, including child sexual abuse and deploying the best practices of investigating and prosecuting child sexual abuse cases is resolute in upholding justice, reinforcing the state’s commitment to high societal values, integrity and its unwavering commitment to ensuring fairness and accountability.

Speaking also, Executive Coordinator, Bimbo Odukoya Foundation, Aderonke Oyelakin, said: “The acquittal of Olaleye came as a shock to me and I’ve not recovered but we believe that the Lagos State government will appeal the judgment.

“I feel discouraged as an advocate because it’s a slap on our faces because a lot of work went into the case, it was a lot for the prosecutor and the justice system but we will keep on advocating for children.

Oyelakin who is also Lagos State Coordinator, Child Protection Network, added: “We will push the Lagos State Government to appeal but if they fail to, we will not relent and we will keep fighting and standing for our children.

“The truth be told, every person perpetrating evil must know that God and the law will catch up with them and we will make sure that they are brought to book.”