Lagos State government has vowed to challenge the Appeal Court ruling which overturned the conviction of the Managing Director of Optimal Cancer, Femi Olaleye, who was accused of defiling his wife’s niece.
The Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos had on Friday voided the rape conviction of Olaleye, holding that the lower court erred in its judgement, and thereafter discharged and acquitted him
It would be recalled that the Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Lagos had in October, convicted Olaleye on a two-count charge of defilement of a child and sexual assault by penetration.
Justice Rahman Oshodi had sentenced him to life imprisonment over rape after he was arraigned by the state government.
The Appellate Court had described the evidence provided by the prosecution as “tainted” and “unreliable.”
In response, civil rights groups petitioned the Lagos State Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro (SAN), calling on him to approach the apex court to restore public trust in the justice system.
The state government therefore filed a notice at the Court of Appeal.
This reason is to inform all parties concerned that it has lodged an appeal against that decision and is now heading to the apex court for a final decision on the matter.
