Weeks after the Lagos division of the Court of Appeal nullified his rape conviction, Lagos doctor, Femi Olaleye, has regained his freedom.
Olaleye was arraigned in 2022 by the Lagos State Government at the Sexu@l Offences and Domestic Violence Court, in Ikeja, Lagos and was in October 2023, found guilty of defiling his wife’s 16-year-old niece. The judge held that the prosecution proved the two counts charge of defilement and sexual assault by penetration against Olaleye.
After his conviction in August 2023, his lawyer, Kemi Pinhero, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), filed an appeal in November 2023, arguing that there was no direct evidence to confirm the alleged victim’s age.
In a judgement delivered on November 29, 2024, the appeal court held that there was no direct evidence to establish the alleged victim’s age, claiming the prosecution failed to provide documentation proving she was 16 years old at the time of the offence. Read here.
The court then discharged and acquitted Olaleye.
Taking to his Instagram page this afternoon, he shared photos of him leaving the prison on December 3. He wrote;
‘’Freedom is not just a release—it is a rebirth. And on Tuesday, 03/12/24 my new chapter began! @drfemi is back and active!”
Read Also: Rape of minor: Enraged Dr Olufemi Olaleye challenges life sentence at Appeal Court
Read Also: Appeal court nullifies rape conviction of Lagos doctor Femi Olaleye
