By Miracle Ogunde
Following the ruling of the Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos voiding the rape conviction of the Managing Director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, Femi Olaleye, the Lagos State Government has challenged the judgement at the apex court.
The Lagos state government said it was heading to the Supreme Court to challenge the judgement and if possible, overturn the Court of Appeal’s decision.
The appellate court on Friday ruled that the lower court erred in its judgment. It thereafter discharged and acquitted Olaleye.
Recall 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 Olaleye 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.
TVC News reports that the state government has now 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 in the country for a final decision on the matter.
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