The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal has deferred judgment in the case of Dr. Olufemi Olaleye, the Medical Director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, who is appealing his conviction for rape.
In October 2023, Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court sentenced Olaleye to life imprisonment for raping his wife’s teenage niece.
The appeal, filed in November 2023 by Olaleye’s lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), challenges the conviction on 35 grounds, arguing that there was no direct proof of the victim’s age and pointing out inconsistencies in her testimony.
The prosecution, however, maintained that they had proven all elements of the offence beyond a reasonable doubt, justifying the conviction. After hearing arguments from both sides, the appellate panel, consisting of Justices Olukayode Bada, Mohammad Sirajo, and Folasade Ojo, reserved its judgment.
