Court remands Lagos medical doctor for abusing 16- year- old girl sexually

ADomestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday, remanded the Medical Director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, Dr. Femi Olaleye in Ikoyi correctional facility pending perfection of bail, for allegedly abusing a 16- year- old girl sexually.

Justice Raheem Oshodi ordered Olaleye ‘ s remand after he was arraigned on two- count charge of defilement brought against him by the State Government.

The medical doctor was charged for allegedly defiling and sexually assaulting his wife’s 16- year- old niece by penetration.

His offence contravened Sections 137 and 261 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

However, the defendant’s lead counsel, Mr. Babatunde Ogala, ( SAN), prayed the court to grant Olaleye bail on liberal terms.

Moving his bail application dated November 24, 2022, Ogala prayed the court to grant the defendant bail. The counsel argued that the accused had cancer patients who looked up to him for his service, noting that he would not be productive if remanded in prison.

In urging the court to use its discretion to grant the defendant bail, Ogala noted that the accused appeared voluntarily in court after he was served the information.

Responding, the prosecution led by the Director of the Public Prosecution ( DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins told the court he had filed a counter affidavit dated November 28, 2022. The DPP submitted that the nature of the charge was serious enough to remand the defendant because it attracts life imprisonment. Dr. Martins also argued that the complainant was the first wife of the defendant, while the victim was a niece to the wife.