The Court of Appeal in Lagos, Nigeria has overturned the conviction of Dr. Olufemi Olaleye, Medical Director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, who was previously sentenced to life imprisonment by an Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court for defilement and sexual assault.
Dr. Olaleye had been accused of raping his wife’s teenage niece, with the trial judge finding the prosecution’s case compelling. However, he appealed the ruling, seeking to overturn the life sentence imposed by the lower court.
In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Jimi Bada, the appellate court ruled that the trial court erred in convicting Dr. Olaleye, stating that the evidence presented by the prosecution was unreliable.
Justice Bada highlighted contradictions in the testimonies of Dr. Olaleye’s estranged wife, Oluremi, and the alleged survivor, which undermined the credibility of the case. The court described the evidence as “tainted” and insufficient to sustain a conviction.
This decision overturns a judgment that had previously drawn significant public attention and underscores the appellate court’s role in ensuring justice through meticulous review of trial proceedings.
