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Lagos Heads To S’Court Over Judgment Nullifying Femi Olaleye’s Rape Conviction
The Lagos State Government has filed an appeal before the Supreme Court to challenge the Court of Appeal’s decision that overturned the conviction of Femi Olaleye, a medical doctor and managing director of the Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, for the defilement of his wife’s niece.
In October 2023, Olaleye was convicted by the Lagos State Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court on two counts of defilement of a child and sexual assault by penetration.
The charges were brought against him by the state’s Ministry of Justice in November 2022.
But, on November 29, 2024, the Court of Appeal acquitted Olaleye, citing errors in the lower court’s judgment.
The appellate court held that the evidence presented by the prosecution was “tainted” and “unreliable,” leading to the overturning of his conviction.
In response to this ruling, some Civil Society Organisations piled pressure on the state government to appeal the decision.
They petitioned the Lagos State Attorney General, Lawal Pedro (SAN), urging the government to challenge the judgment at the Supreme Court to restore public trust in the justice system.
The Commissioner for Justice had on December 12, 2024, told newsmen during a press briefing that the case file was already on his table and the ministry was going to review the judgment of the appellate court.
Pedro, when asked if there was any plan to appeal the judgment had said he had 90 days of right of appeal.
According to him, there was a need to study the file because there were ways to look at things from the point of law.
The AG added there was no sentiment or emotion about the law.
He said the case file would be reviewed and if there was any reason to challenge the appellate court, they would head to the Supreme Court.
However, on December 27, 2024, the Lagos State Government filed an appeal before the Supreme Court, seeking to reverse the Court of Appeal’s acquittal of Olaleye.
The state government’s grounds for appeal include the argument that the appellate court erred in disregarding Section 209(2) of the Evidence Act, 2011, and the Supreme Court decision in Dagaya v. State (2006).
The state contended that the sworn evidence of a child above the age of 14 requires corroboration, as specified by Section 209(3) of the Evidence Act, 2011, which mandates that the evidence of a child under 14 needs corroboration to secure a conviction.
The state further held that the Justices of the Court of Appeal erred in law when they held that Exhibits H, H1, and H2, were wrongly admitted and relied upon by the trial court having failed to conduct trial within trial for their admissibility.
“The factors guiding admissibility of confessional statements are well laid down in Sections 28 and 29 of the Evidence Act 2011, and objection to such admissibility must be raised at the time the statement is sought to be tendered not after it has been admitted without objection.
“Where an objection to the admissibility of a document on the ground of voluntariness of the statement has been withdrawn by the defendant, there is no requirement to conduct trial within trial hence Exhibits H, H1 and H2 were properly admitted.
“After the close of the prosecution’s case, a defendant called as a witness may be cross-examined on his earlier statement with a view to contradict him by the writing or discredit him as in the instant appeal and this is permitted under Section 232, of the Evidence Act, 2011, and such statement does not require trial within trial.
The state added that the Justices of the Court of Appeal erred in law when they held that the failure of the prosecution to call DPO Patricia Amadi and Aunty Tessy was fatal to the case of the prosecution in the trial court.
“The law is settled that the prosecution is not obliged to call all the witnesses listed in the information or a host of witnesses is required to prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt.
“A single witness who gives cogent eyewitness account on a vital point will suffice.
“The absence of Aunty Tessy was not in any way fatal to the case of the prosecution where evidence of PW2 (Prosecution witness 2) and that of other witnesses has already established the ingredients of the offence against the defendant/respondent.
“The absence of DPO Patricia Amadi who was not the Investigating Police Officer was not in any way fatal to the case of the prosecution. More so, when PW6, who investigated the case, gave evidence of the investigation and this was not discredited,” the state said.
Also, the state sought the following reliefs: An order allowing the appeal and setting aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered on November 29, 2024.
An order affirming the conviction and sentences of Olaleye by the trial court in Charge No. ID/20289C/2022.
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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