Human Rights Activists hail partners, celebrate victory over rape case
By Ifeoma Ikem
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Some Groups of human rights activist in Lagos are celebrating the sentencing to life imprisonment of Dr Femi Frank Olaleye, the founder of the Optimal Cancer Foundation for the defilement of his wife’s niece.
Olaleye was sentenced in a judgment that was delivered by Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja.
Addressing pressmen, Barrister Adesina Ogunlana ,at his office Winners Don’t Quit Chambers, Lagos said ” we are celebrating our collective victory with the win of the sentencing of life imprisonment of Olaleye, a notorious unrepentant pedophile and a liar in the words of the court.
“This verdict is a significant win for justice, we are advocating for the need to bring such cases to limelight and ensure that perpetrators face the consequences of their actions.
“We all started this journey together with our relentless calls and subsequent protests asking the Lagos State government to arrest and prosecute Dr. Femi Olaleye for the defilement of his wife’s niece after one year that a complaint was filed against him.
“Our joy knew no bounds when he was subsequently arrested and arraigned on two counts of sexual assault and defilement of his wife’s niece.
“Exactly a year after arraignment, Justice Rahmon Oshodi of the Lagos High Court gave an erudite judgement that left no one in doubt that there is a difference between judgement and Justice because this poor indigent survivor who is the daughter of nobody without paying a penny to anyone and without having connections got JUSTICE!!!!
“This is not Uhuru yet because the war against sexual and gender based violence is still raging”.
He revealed the troubling trend that in some cases like that, some legal practitioners may attempt to persuade victims, families to accept financial settlements and let the case be swept itself under the carpet.
He also added that another issue that delays justice is the issue of the absence of witnesses which leads to abandonment of the pursuit of justice.
“Such leaves victims and their families torn between seeking justice and financial relief, despite the irreversible psychological trauma inflicted to the victim.
Barr.Taiwo-Ndidi Ojo, expressed her concerns about the rules and regulations that backed up some professional bodies who carry out operations without being duly registered, that’s why Olaleye, who was not a member of the medical association was allowed to practice.
She acknowledged that the victory is not just for the survivor but for all those who have fallen victim to Olaleye’s abuses.
“This landmark conviction sends a powerful message that justice can prevail, even against influential individuals.
“We are committed to supporting victims and their families, encouraging them to stand up for justice and not be silenced by societal stigmatization.
Anthonia Ojenegbon of Tonia Bruised But Not Broken’ commended the family of the victim for rejecting 2.5million naira to change their statement which his agent had deposited four hundred thousand naira as part payment.
“What everyone is celebrating today could not have been possible after many attempt to destroy all the evidence against the perpetrator but we appreciate God almighty that saw us through.
In resounding notes, the activists declare, “Your Day of Reckoning is Coming for the evil ones.”
This verdict underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of such issues and ensuring that no one, regardless of their status or connections, can evade justice for their crimes
We appreciate Lagos state government for their support and human rights activists that work tirelessly and stand for justice over the rape case; Radical Movement in the NBA, Tonia Bruised But Not Broken Foundation, Stop The Abuse Foundation ,Mirabel Center ,Cece Yara Foundation , Child Protection Network
Others includes, Be Inspired Women Empowerment Foundation ,Bimbo Odukoya Foundation And Advocate for children and Vulnerable Persons Network ACVPN, Smile and Shine Children Foundation ,Family Wellness Therapy Center, Mom to Mom Foundation, Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV)
