Minor Rape Scandal: Group Petitions Against Acquited Doctor

By Felix Kuyinu

A group identified as Civil Society Organization, CSO, has expressed disapproval over the the acquittal of a medical doctor, Femi Olaleye, who was on trial over allegations of raping a minor in Lagos.

The CSO appealed to the Lagos State Attorney General, Lawal Pedro, SAN, to look into the rulling which was pronounced at the Appeal Court of the state.

The association also urged the Lagos State Government to take quick action in challenging the appellate court’s decision, emphasizing the need to restore public confidence in the justice system, protect children’s rights and ensure justice for survivors of sexual violence.

The petition was signed by prominent activists: Itoro Eze-Anaba of Mirabel Centre; Bisi Ajayi-Kayode of Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre; Kingsley Ibom Egbulem of Men Against Rape; Toyin Taiwo-Ojo of Stop the Abuse Against Women and Children Foundation.

Others include: Anthonia Ojenagbon of Tonia Bruised But Not Broken Rape Survivors Foundation; Pamela Udoka of Family Wellness Therapy Centre; Effah-Chukwuma of Project Alert; Bose Ironsi of Ireti Psycho-Social Support Centre.,SARC, Ronke Oyelakin of Child Protection Network, Lagos State; and legendary thespian, Kate Henshaw.

The agitators held that the victim is a niece of the medial practitioner’s spouse. According to reports, the survivor endured sexual abuse over a 20-month period.

According to them, the international community and Nigerians at large are closely monitoring the case. They further disclosed that sexual violence against children is one of the most heinous crimes. The group added that allowing perpetrators to go scot-free sends the wrong message about how such serious offences are treated in the society.

Olaleye, who is the Managing Director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, was initially arraigned by the Lagos State Government in November 2022 on charges of child defilement and sexual assault by penetration. In October 2023 at the state’s Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court, he was sentenced to life imprisonment.

However, in November 2023, a three-member panel at the Court of Appeal overturned the conviction ruling, citing errors in the lower court’s judgment.

The appellate court deemed the evidence provided by the survivor and her mother as “tainted”and“unreliable”, hence, leading to Olaleye’s acquittal.