Activists hail UK for Lagos doctor’s remand

Dr Olufemi Olaleye

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A coalition of activists who played key roles in the arrest, prosecution and conviction of a Lagos-based medical doctor, Femi Olaleye, has applauded the United Kingdom authorities following his arraignment on Friday over alleged sexual offences committed during his time working in the country.

Olaleye, a British citizen, worked in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Darent Valley Hospital under the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust from January 2005 to September 2008.

It was around this time that the alleged sexual incidents involving several women happened.

Kent Police, which confirmed his arrest to our correspondent on Tuesday, said three charges of voyeurism were filed against the suspect.

In a statement on Saturday, they described the development as a vindication of their long-standing position on the accusations against the doctor and commended the Kent Police for the arrest, detention and arraignment that has now led to his remand until January 2, 2026, when trial is expected to commence.

In a joint statement issued on Saturday, veteran actress Kate Henshaw, Executive Director of CAIDOV, Gbenga Soloki, Anthonia Ojenagbon of Tonia Bruised But Not Broken Foundation, Toyin Taiwo-Ojo of the Stop the Abuse of Women and Children Foundation, Aderonke Oyelakin of Child Protection Network Lagos State, Dr Nimi Ekere, Rose Umeh, Dr Pamela Udoka, Jite Ellen, Elijah Ajanu-Ojo of Women Arise for Change Initiative and Kingsley Obom-Egbulem of Men Against Rape, praised Justice Rahman Oshodi for the judgment he delivered in October 2023.

Justice Oshodi had sentenced Olaleye to life imprisonment for sexual offences after a year-long trial, before the Court of Appeal in Lagos later discharged and acquitted him on a technical ground.

The activists said the UK arraignment reinforced the strength of the evidence earlier presented in Lagos.

They noted, “We must commend Justice Rahman Oshodi for the wonderful job he is doing at the Lagos State Sexual Offences Court, especially on the case of Dr Femi Olaleye, whom he sent to jail based on evidence presented by the survivor as well as the painstaking prosecution by the office of the Director of Public Prosecution.

“Truly, with the likes of Justice Oshodi on the bench, the judiciary is the last hope of the common man, and a man of such pedigree deserves commendation, applause and praise for his diligence on this matter.”

Olaleye was arrested at Heathrow Airport on Thursday, November 27, 2025, upon arrival from a trip and taken to the Kent Police Station, where he remained until his arraignment at Medway Magistrate Court on Friday, December 5, 2025.

The doctor, now 58, was previously accused in Nigeria of defiling and sexually abusing his wife’s niece over an 18-month period in 2022.

He was arrested at Anthony Police Division and later sentenced to life imprisonment in 2023 following a rigorous trial, before the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal overturned the conviction.

The activists urged the Supreme Court to thoroughly examine the appeal filed by the Lagos State Government challenging the acquittal.

“The Lagos State Government should be commended for the appeal filed against the judgment of the Appeal Court. We wish to urge the justices of the Supreme Court to carefully peruse the issues raised.

“The arraignment of Dr Olaleye in the United Kingdom indicated that he has a case to answer on the allegation of being a serial pedophile and sexual offender,” they said.

Daniel, well versed in print and multimedia journalism with about 10 years experience, is also a videographer, photographer, cinematographer, video editor, and website developer

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