Dr. Femi Olaleye has been released from custody after the Court of Appeal in Lagos nullified his previous conviction for alleged sexual assault of a minor.
Initially convicted on October 24, 2023, by the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court presided over by Justice Rahman Oshodi, Dr. Olaleye successfully appealed the conviction through his legal representative, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN).
On November 29, 2024, the Appeal Court unanimously discharged and acquitted Olaleye. The court determined that the original trial court’s conviction was based on what it characterized as “tainted” and “unreliable” evidence.
The appellate court highlighted several critical issues with the original prosecution, including:
- Material contradictions in testimonies from Olaleye’s estranged wife Oluremi and the alleged survivor
- Dismissal of testimony from a child forensic specialist, a medical expert from the Mirabel Centre, and the investigating officer as “worthless”
- Criticism of the original trial judge for inappropriately intervening to supplement the prosecution’s case
- Noting the prosecution’s failure to present key witnesses, including two family members who were reportedly present during an alleged confession
Following his release, Dr. Olaleye shared photographs on Instagram, describing his exit from the correctional centre as a “rebirth”. In a social media post dated December 3, 2024, he wrote, “Freedom is not just a release—it is a rebirth. And on Tuesday, 03/12/24 my new chapter began!”
The case highlights complex legal proceedings in sexual assault allegations and the importance of thorough judicial review.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
