The Lagos State Government has filed an appeal at the Supreme Court to challenge the acquittal of Dr. Olufemi Olaleye, a 58-year-old medical director, who was previously convicted of defiling his wife’s niece.

In October 2023, Dr. Olaleye was found guilty of child defilement and sexual assault by penetration in the Lagos State Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court. The trial judge, Justice Rahman Oshodi, based the conviction on Olaleye’s confession, made in front of his lawyer and a police officer. The judge stated that Olaleye’s admission of guilt was clear evidence of his involvement in the crimes.

However, in November 2024, the Court of Appeal overturned the conviction, citing issues with the evidence presented by the prosecution. The appellate court found that the evidence was unreliable and contained contradictions. Justice Jimi Olukayode Bada, who delivered the ruling, also criticized the testimonies of key witnesses, such as a child forensic expert and a medical professional from the Mirabel Centre, calling their evidence “worthless.” The court suggested that the trial judge had made errors by attempting to fill gaps in the prosecution’s case.

Now, the Lagos State Government is taking the case to the Supreme Court. In its appeal, the state argues that the Court of Appeal made a mistake by disregarding certain parts of the Evidence Act, particularly the requirement for corroboration of a child’s testimony in cases involving children over 14. The state is asking the Supreme Court to reverse the appellate court’s decision and reinstate Dr. Olaleye’s conviction.

This appeal highlights the ongoing legal battle and the state’s determination to ensure justice for the alleged victim in this case.