Lagos State’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) registered 5,624 cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, child abuse, and physical assault between August 2022 and July 2023.
The recent conviction of Femi Olaleye, the managing director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, for raping his wife’s niece, represents a significant milestone in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) in Lagos State.
The case, which unfolded at the Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Lagos, culminated in the senior medical doctor receiving a life imprisonment sentence on two counts of defilement of a child and sexual assault by penetration.
Additionally, Mr Olaleye, who has been incarcerated at the Nigerian correctional facility in Ikoyi since his arraignment in 2022, will have his name listed in the Lagos State sexual offenders register as part of his punishment.
This high-profile case underscored the government’s resolve to combat SGBV as it brought to light the alarming incidence of such crimes in the state. The DSVA disclosed that the reported cases included a shockingly diverse range of victims, from an 18-month-old baby to a 79-year-old woman, victimized for various forms of violence and abuse.
The Road to Justice
Mr Olaleye, aged 56, initially pleaded not guilty to the rape of his wife’s 15-year-old niece during his arraignment before the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on 30th November 2022.
Public outcry, particularly from renowned Nollywood actresses, Kate Henshaw and Damilola Adekoya, prompted the DSVA to refer the case to the Gender Desk Department of the Lagos State Police Command for investigation, affirming the state government’s zero tolerance for SGBV.
During the trial, Mr Olaleye was granted N50 million bail with two sureties but was remanded in Ikoyi prison pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions. A no-case submission filed by Mr Olaleye in March 2023 was ultimately dismissed by the court, leading to a trial where six witnesses, including the accused himself, spoke in the matter.
The Verdict and Ongoing Fight Against SGBV
Ultimately, the judge, Ramon Oshodi, ruled in support of the Lagos State Government, delivering a life sentence based on irrefutable evidence presented by the prosecution. His judgement notably highlighted the violations of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015, which prescribe life imprisonment for the rape of a child and sexual assault by penetration.
The Olaleye case echoes a succession of high-profile convictions for SGBV crimes in Lagos. Notably, in 2022, Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James, alias Baba Ijesha, was convicted for sexually assaulting a minor, receiving a 16-year jail sentence from the Ikeja Special Offences Court.
Similarly, in September, a 42-year-old security officer, Daniel Okon, and a 59-year-old artisan, Eze Chukwuma, both received life sentences for raping minors, while in July, Emeka Orisakwe and Folarin Raufu also faced life imprisonment for similar crimes.
Speaking on Mr Olaleye’s case, Anthonia Ojenagbon, founder of Tonia Bruised But Not Broken Foundation, highlighted the attempted manipulation of the victim and lauded her and her family’s unwavering stance against coercion and bribery. She emphasized the significance of the judgement as a monumental victory for survivors of SGBV and expressed gratitude to the judiciary and the legal representation provided by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice.
In another perspective, Bisi Ajayi-Kayode, Legal Lead for Cece Yera Foundation, reflected on the arduous journey of seeking justice in the case, remarking on the challenges and resistance encountered. She advocated for the empowerment of survivors to report instances of SGBV, emphasizing the foundation’s commitment to supporting investigations and prosecutions and ensuring the fundamental human rights of survivors.
The Lagos State’s Steadfast Stance
The relentless commitment of the Lagos State Government and its DSVA in combating SGBV is underscored by the enactment of laws prohibiting violence against women and girls, including the Child Rights Law and the Protection against Domestic Violence Law.
With the recent string of convictions and the resolute pursuit of justice in SGBV cases, Lagos State is forging a precedent in the fight against gender-based violence, sending a resounding message that perpetrators will be held accountable for their heinous actions.
As the Lagos State Government reinforces its unwavering stance against SGBV, the advocacy for survivors and the ongoing pursuit of justice remain vital in the collective effort to create a safer environment for all.html
Analysis of SGBV Prosecution across States in Nigeria
In a recent report by Stand to End Rape Initiative (STER), it was revealed that Lagos, Adamawa, Ekiti, Kogi, and Kwara states were at the forefront in prosecuting sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) perpetrators in Nigeria. Titled “Scorecard on sexual and gender-based violence: measuring state-level mechanism for prevention and responses in Nigeria,” the report assessed the efficiency of the criminal justice system and the capacity for SGBV response, including laws and policy adoption across states.
Conversely, the report highlighted Zamfara, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, and Taraba as the states with the lowest prosecution rates of gender-based violence violators in Nigeria. The findings also revealed the sluggish progress in providing expedited criminal prosecution, notably Gombe with only five SGBV cases attended to between 2020 and 2022.
In response to these findings, gender advocate and development journalist, Zainab Sanni, commended the progress made by the justice system in Lagos State, particularly in handling sexual and gender-based violence cases. She noted the improvement in the support programmes available in Lagos to aid SGBV survivors.
Mrs Sanni emphasised the need for the government to intensify its efforts in the fight against SGBV. She urged for the education of civil service workers involved in responding to GBV cases, highlighting the prevalence of victim blaming by these officials. Additionally, she stressed the importance of periodic assessment of GBV cases in court and proactive education on GBV, particularly targeting young people, including male children.
As Nigeria grapples with the scourge of SGBV, it is imperative for states to strengthen their mechanisms for SGBV prevention and responses, and for the government to take proactive steps in creating a safer environment for all.
