Dr Femi Olaleye, a Lagos-based medical practitioner who was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2023 for defilement and sexual violence against a minor, has allegedly fled to the United Kingdom following an appeal court ruling that overturned his conviction.
Conviction and Appeal
In 2023, a Sexual Offences Court in Lagos found Olaleye guilty on two counts of defilement and sexual violence against a minor and sentenced him to life imprisonment. However, in November 2024, the Court of Appeal overturned his conviction, acquitting him of all charges. Dissatisfied with the ruling, the Lagos State Government proceeded to file an appeal at the Supreme Court, seeking to reverse the acquittal.
Allegations of Abscondment
The Executive Director of the Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV), Gbenga Soloki, has raised concerns over Olaleye’s alleged flight from Nigeria. In a statement released on Friday, Soloki claimed that Olaleye fled the country as soon as the Lagos State Government filed an appeal against the acquittal.
According to Soloki, the embattled doctor has since launched a media campaign against his estranged wife, Mrs. Aderemi Olaleye, as well as the judiciary and the police, accusing them of bias in handling his case. Soloki alleged that Olaleye has been orchestrating a smear campaign to discredit the legal process and evade justice.
Withdrawal of Legal Representation
Adding another twist to the case, Olaleye’s lawyer, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, has formally withdrawn from representing him. Soloki revealed that Pinheiro wrote to the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution, informing them that his legal engagement with Olaleye ended at the Court of Appeal and that he would not be representing him at the Supreme Court.
Furthermore, Soloki disclosed that Olaleye was officially served with Supreme Court appeal documents via his known WhatsApp number and email. However, the doctor allegedly responded by stating that the number was no longer in his possession, claiming that he had relocated to the United Kingdom.
Allegations of Media Manipulation
Soloki also accused Olaleye of hiring a blogger to lead a media smear campaign against his estranged wife, falsely alleging that she had taken over his property and was evading arrest. The activist dismissed these claims, stating that the ownership of the house in question is already a subject of an ongoing legal dispute initiated by Olaleye himself.
“The house in question is the family home where his wife and their two children reside. Since the incident, he has shown no concern for his family, except in claiming ownership of the property,” Soloki said.
Additionally, Soloki argued that Olaleye’s claims of his wife evading arrest are an attempt to manipulate public opinion. He stated that the police had refused to act on Olaleye’s complaint, having confirmed that the matter was already before the court.
Serious Allegations of Serial Abuse
Soloki further described Olaleye as a “serial pedophile,” alleging that he routinely drugged and raped his clients. He claimed that there is video evidence to support these allegations.
He also revealed that before relocating to Nigeria, Olaleye was reportedly involved in multiple cases of sexual abuse and rape in the United Kingdom while working at a well-known hospital.
Response from Mrs. Aderemi Olaleye
Meanwhile, Mrs. Aderemi Fagbemi Olaleye has expressed her intention to seek legal redress, maintaining that the truth will eventually prevail. She has refrained from making extensive comments on the matter, given that it is still before the court. However, she remains determined to clear her name through legal means.
“She has chosen not to comment extensively on a matter already before the court but she is determined to clear her name through legal means,” Soloki added.
Awaiting Supreme Court Proceedings
As the legal battle continues, the Lagos State Government’s appeal at the Supreme Court will determine the next steps in the case. However, concerns over Olaleye’s alleged flight raise questions about whether he will face further legal proceedings in Nigeria. The unfolding events surrounding his case have ignited public interest, with many awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision on the appeal.
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