News
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.
News
Oyo 2027: Adelabu Quits As Power Minister To Focus On Guber Race
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu has formally resigned from his position in the Federal Government to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to the President, Adelabu stated that his resignation will take effect on April 30, 2026, to enable him to focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
The letter, routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that he was stepping down with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”
He wrote, “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities.”
Adelabu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.
He said, “Your Excellency, I remain sincerely grateful for the privilege and confidence you reposed in me by appointing me to serve our great nation in this capacity.
“It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector—one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.”
The former minister said his resignation was to enable him focus fully on his governorship ambition in Oyo State, citing provisions of the amended electoral law.
He added, “My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State. This aspiration, which dates back to 2016 during my service as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, ultimately led to my voluntary resignation from the Central Bank in 2018 in order to pursue the same goal.”
“In line with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which preclude political office holders from contesting elections, I consider it both appropriate and necessary to resign at this time.”
Adelabu’s exit marks a major political development ahead of the next electoral cycle, particularly in Oyo State, where he is expected to contest the governorship election.
News
Wale Edun, Musa Dangiwa Resigned Voluntarily, Not Sacked – Presidency
The Presidency has clarified that Wale Edun (former Finance Minister) and Ahmed Musa Dangiwa (former Housing Minister) voluntarily resigned from their positions and were not sacked by President Tinubu.
In a statement released this evening April 22, presidential media aide, Bayo Onanuga, said that contrary to public opinions, Wale Edun resigned on health grounds while Dangiwa also tendered his resignation and thanked the President for the opportunity given him to serve in the Federal Executive Council.
Onanuga stated that Edun, who clocked 70 on Monday and has battled recent ill health, fittingly submitted his resignation letter on his birthday, thanking the President for the opportunity to serve Nigeria.
“It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Under your leadership, Nigeria has emerged stronger, more resilient and more internationally respected. I wish you and the administration every success in the future” he wrote
Onanuga stated that on Tuesday, before the Office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation announced his departure from the Cabinet, Edun paid a valedictory visit to the President at the Villa and held an hour-long discussion with the president and then left to focus on his private businesses.
The presidential aide stated that President Tinubu has expressed deep appreciation to Edun and Dangiwa for their dedicated service and significant contributions to the administration’s economic reform programme and wished them continued success in their future endeavours.
‘’In the same vein, the President has urged the new Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, to consolidate ongoing reforms and advance the administration’s fiscal and economic objectives with renewed focus, discipline, and innovation.
President Tinubu will shortly send the ministerial nominee for housing, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, also from Katsina, like Dangiwa, to the Senate for confirmation” the statement concluded
News
Unity Bank, Experts Advocate Green Investment, Climate Innovation To Drive Economic Resilience
Nigeria’s retail lender, Unity Bank Plc, alongside leading climate innovation experts, has called for increased investment in the green economy and the adoption of frontier technologies as critical pathways to driving economic resilience and reducing the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations across Africa.
The call was made during a thought-provoking webinar hosted by the Bank to commemorate this year’s Earth Day, themed “The True Cost of Climate Change and Who Pays?”. Climate experts and stakeholders convened to examine the human, economic, and institutional costs of climate change, while spotlighting practical solutions to address its growing impact.
In his opening remarks, Unity Bank’s Head of Strategy and Innovation, Ibukun Coker, emphasised the urgency of addressing climate risks from both a societal and business perspective.
He said: “Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract challenge. It is an existential threat with direct consequences for individuals, businesses, and economies. At Unity Bank, we recognise the role institutions must play in incorporating sustainability in project financing, supporting businesses and promoting solutions that build resilience in communities where we operate.”
The webinar featured Chinwe Udo-Davis, Founder and CEO of Instollar, and Oluwatosin Ajide, Programme Manager at the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, both of whom provided insights into the drivers of climate change and the pathways to mitigation and adaptation.
Speaking during the session, Udo-Davis highlighted the disproportionate burden which climate change places on underserved communities and the need for inclusive solutions.
“The true cost of climate change is not evenly distributed. Communities with the least resources are often the most affected, whether through energy poverty, environmental degradation, or limited access to sustainable alternatives. Addressing this imbalance requires intentional investment in clean energy solutions that are both accessible and scalable.”
Ajide underscored the importance of coordinated, system-wide approaches in tackling climate challenges, particularly through innovation and policy alignment.
“Climate change is fundamentally a structural problem, and its solution requires a paradigm shift: from innovation and policy to financing and implementation. Stakeholders must work collaboratively to drive solutions that are sustainable and inclusive.”
The session also explored emerging opportunities in climate technology, renewable energy, and ecosystem financing, reinforcing the role of innovation and cross-sector collaboration in building long-term resilience.
By hosting the webinar, Unity Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing sustainability-focused dialogue and supporting initiatives that promote responsible growth and environmental stewardship.
The initiative underscores the Bank’s broader strategic focus on environmental sustainability as well as its commitment to financial inclusion.
-
News1 day agoNo Solar Permits Needed For Private Homes In Lagos, SSA Confirms
-
News22 hours agoMass Burial For 30 ISWAP Insurgents Following Lethal NAF Strikes In Borno
-
News2 days agoCourt Sentences Dismissed NECO Employee To 24 Years Over Fake Diploma
-
Breaking News2 days agoTinubu Appoints New Ministers, Sacks Edun, Dangiwa In Minor Shake-Up
-
News1 day agoLagos Sets Rules, Penalties For April 25 Sanitation Relaunch
-
News20 hours agoUnity Bank, Experts Advocate Green Investment, Climate Innovation To Drive Economic Resilience
-
News15 hours agoOyo 2027: Adelabu Quits As Power Minister To Focus On Guber Race
-
News17 hours agoWale Edun, Musa Dangiwa Resigned Voluntarily, Not Sacked – Presidency
