The appeal court sitting in Lagos has nullified the rape conviction against the Medical Director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, Dr Olufemi Olaleye.

Olaleye had filed an appeal challenging his conviction and sentence on a two count charge of defilement and sexual assault by penetration of a minor.

Recalls that in October 2023, Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court had sentenced Dr Olaleye to life imprisonment for defiling his wife’s 16-year-old niece.

In his judgment, Justice Oshodi held that the prosecution, the Lagos State Government, had proved the charge against the defendant and that the evidence against him was compelling.

According to the judge, Olaleye’s confessional statement before his former counsel, Mr Olalekan Buruji, and the Divisional Police Officer at the Anthony Police Station, Lagos State, proved that he committed the offences.

The judge held that Olaleye said in the statement that he regretted his act.

The judge also held that Olaleye’s denial of the statement during trial did not hold water.

However, the appellate court on Friday held that the lower court erred in its judgment.

The appeal court thereafter discharged and acquitted Olaleye.