The Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos has overturned the conviction of Femi Olaleye, Managing Director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, on charges of defilement and sexual assault.
In its ruling on Friday, the appellate court found that the lower court erred in its judgment, leading to a decision to discharge and acquit Olaleye.
Olaleye had been convicted in October 2023 by the Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Lagos on a two-count charge of child defilement and sexual assault by penetration. His conviction had drawn significant public attention, sparking debates on accountability in sexual offense cases.
The latest ruling nullifies the earlier verdict, with the appellate court citing flaws in the lower court’s judgment. Details of the reasons for the decision were not immediately available.
The development is likely to reignite discussions about the challenges of prosecuting sexual offense cases in Nigeria and the role of appellate courts in ensuring judicial fairness.
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