Civil society organisations (CSOs) have called on the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Lawal Pedro, to appeal a Court of Appeal ruling that overturned the rape conviction of Dr Femi Olaleye, a medical practitioner and managing director of the Optimal Cancer Care Foundation.

In a petition submitted to the Attorney-General, the CSOs demanded urgent action to challenge the appellate court?s decision at the Supreme Court, stressing the need to restore public confidence in the justice system.

Dr Olaleye was initially arraigned in November 2022 by the Lagos State government on charges of child defilement and sexual assault by penetration. The victim, a minor and reportedly the niece of Olaleye?s wife, alleged that she was sexually abused over a period of 20 months.

In October 2023, the Lagos Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court convicted Olaleye of the charges and sentenced him to life imprisonment for rape. However, in November 2023, the Court of Appeal overturned the conviction, citing errors in the lower court?s judgment. The appellate court ruled that the evidence presented by the survivor and Olaleye?s wife was ?tainted? and ?unreliable,? leading to his acquittal.

At a press conference held at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) office in Lagos, Josephine Effah-Chukwuma, founder of Project Alert, read the petition addressed to the Attorney-General.

Effah-Chukwuma underscored the critical importance of appealing the decision, noting its broader implications for justice and public trust in the legal system.

?The international community and Nigerians are closely watching this case. Sexual violence against children is one of the most heinous crimes, and allowing perpetrators to walk free sends the wrong message about how seriously such offences are taken in our country,? Effah-Chukwuma said.

The petition emphasised the need for Supreme Court intervention, warning that the appellate court?s judgment could embolden offenders and undermine the fight against sexual violence.

The CSOs urged the Lagos State government to reaffirm its commitment to protecting children?s rights and ensuring justice for survivors of sexual violence.

?We respectfully urge your office, in the interest of justice, public policy, and the rule of law, to immediately appeal this decision to the Supreme Court so that the case can be thoroughly adjudicated and justice can be duly served,? the petition read.

The petition was signed by prominent advocates, including Itoro Eze-Anaba of Mirabel Centre, Bisi Ajayi-Kayode of Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre, Kingsley Ibom Egbulem of Men Against Rape, Toyin Taiwo-Ojo of Stop the Abuse Against Women and Children Foundation, Anthonia Ojenagbon of Tonia Bruised But Not Broken Rape Survivors Foundation, Pamela Udoka of Family Wellness Therapy Centre, Effah-Chukwuma of Project Alert, Bose Ironsi of Ireti Psycho-Social Support Centre (SARC), Ronke Oyelakin of Child Protection Network, Lagos State, and actress Kate Henshaw.

The CSOs reiterated their call for the Lagos Attorney-General to appeal the appellate court?s decision without delay, stressing that justice must be served to demonstrate Nigeria?s commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens and punishing perpetrators of sexual violence. (Daily Sun)

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