Lagos State Government is to challenge the Appeal Court ruling which overturned the conviction of a medical doctor, Femi Olaleye by a special offences and domestic violence court for defiling his wife’s niece.
The Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos had voided the rape conviction of the medical expert and ruled on Friday that the lower court erred in its judgment. It thereafter discharged and acquitted Olaleye.
The special offences and domestic violence court in Lagos had in October convicted Olaleye on a two-count charge of defilement of a child and sexual assault by penetration.
The court presided over by Justice Rahman Oshodi sentenced Olaleye to life imprisonment over rape after he was arraigned by the State Government.
The appellate court described the evidence provided by the prosecution as insufficient and lacking in merit.
The development prompted civil rights groups to petition the Lagos State Attorney General, Lawal Pedro, SAN and called on him to approach the apex court to restore public trust in the justice system.
It was learnt that the state government has now filed a notice at the court of appeal.
The state government led by Babajide Sanwo-Olu said it was heading to the Supreme Court to challenge the judgement and if possible, overturn the decision of the appellate court.
