Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Lagos have urged the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to appeal the recent judgment that overturned the rape conviction of Dr. Femi Olaleye. Olaleye, who had earlier been sentenced to life imprisonment by a High Court for sexually assaulting his wife’s niece—a minor—was vindicated by the Appeal Court, a decision that has sparked public outrage.
At a press conference in Lagos, the CSOs described the judgment as a setback in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence. They argued that overturning the conviction sends the wrong message to victims and perpetrators of abuse, potentially undermining the progress made in tackling such crimes.
The organizations called on the Lagos State Government to escalate the case to the Supreme Court to ensure justice is served. They emphasized that the judiciary has a responsibility to uphold the rights of minors and other vulnerable groups in society.
The CSOs also criticized the timing of the judgment, noting that Olaleye has reportedly left the country since his vindication. They called for increased efforts to prevent similar cases from slipping through the cracks, urging authorities to prioritize justice for survivors of sexual abuse.
