A fresh controversy has erupted over Lagos-based medical doctor, Femi Olaleye, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for rape but later acquitted by the Court of Appeal. Allegations have now surfaced that he has fled to the United Kingdom to evade a Supreme Court appeal filed by the Lagos State Government.
The alarm was raised by Gbenga Soloki, Executive Director of the Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence, who accused Olaleye of absconding the moment the state government challenged his acquittal at the apex court.
In 2023, a Lagos Sexual Offences Court found Dr. Olaleye guilty of defilement and sexual violence against a minor, sentencing him to life imprisonment. However, in November 2024, the Court of Appeal overturned the conviction, acquitting him of all charges.
Dissatisfied with the ruling, the Lagos State Government filed an appeal at the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the acquittal. It was in the wake of this development that Olaleye allegedly fled Nigeria, Soloki claimed.
Further complicating the case, Olaleye’s lawyer, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), has reportedly withdrawn from representing him. According to Soloki, Pinheiro refused to receive legal documents related to the Supreme Court appeal, stating that his involvement in the case ended at the appellate level.
“Mr. Pinheiro officially notified the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions that he is no longer Dr. Olaleye’s legal representative and will not be defending him at the Supreme Court,” Soloki revealed.
Efforts to serve Olaleye with Supreme Court appeal documents reportedly led to a bizarre exchange. Authorities sent the documents via his WhatsApp and email, but he allegedly responded claiming the number was no longer his—further fueling speculation that he had fled.
Soloki also accused Olaleye of orchestrating a media smear campaign against his estranged wife, Mrs. Aderemi Fagbemi-Olaleye, the judiciary, and the police. He alleged that Olaleye had hired a blogger to spread false claims, including allegations that his wife had taken over his house and was evading arrest.
“The house in question is the family home where his wife and two children reside. Since the incident, he has shown no concern for his family, except in claiming ownership of the property,” Soloki stated.
He further accused Olaleye of trying to manipulate public opinion, adding that the police have refused to act on his complaints after confirming that the case is already in court.
In a shocking twist, Soloki described Olaleye as a “serial pedophile,” alleging that he routinely drugged and raped his clients. He also claimed that video evidence exists to support these accusations.
Furthermore, Soloki alleged that before relocating to Nigeria, Olaleye had been involved in multiple cases of sexual abuse and rape in the UK while working in a well-known hospital.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Aderemi Fagbemi-Olaleye has indicated her intention to seek redress in court, expressing confidence that the truth will eventually prevail.
“She has chosen not to comment extensively on a matter already before the court, but she is determined to clear her name through legal means,” Soloki affirmed.
As the case heads to the Supreme Court, questions linger about Olaleye’s whereabouts and whether he will return to Nigeria to face justice—or remain a fugitive abroad.
PIONEER NEWS 