Human rights activists involved in the initial arrest and prosecution of Lagos-based medical practitioner, Dr Femi Olaleye, in Nigeria have applauded authorities in the United Kingdom for arraigning and remanding the doctor over fresh allegations of sexual offences. The development, they say, represents a critical milestone in the long pursuit of justice for survivors of sexual abuse both in Nigeria and abroad.
Dr Olaleye, a 58-year-old obstetrician and gynaecologist, was taken into custody by Kent Police on Thursday, November 27, 2025, shortly after arriving at the Gatwick Airport from an international trip. He was subsequently detained and held overnight before being arraigned on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the Medway Magistrates’ Court. British prosecutors informed the court that the alleged offences occurred between January 2005 and September 2008 during his engagement as a medical professional at Darent Valley Hospital under the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust.
According to court documents, the allegations centre on sexual misconduct said to have taken place within the hospital premises while he was employed as an obstetrics and gynaecology doctor. Following the arraignment, the presiding magistrate denied his bail application and issued an order for his continued remand until January 2, 2026, when full trial proceedings are scheduled to commence.
Activists Describe UK Arraignment as Vindication
In a joint press statement issued on Saturday, the Executive Director of the Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV), Gbenga Soloki, and the founder of the Tonia Bruised But Not Broken Foundation, Anthonia Ojenagbon, praised the United Kingdom for taking decisive action on the matter. The activists, who played significant roles in bringing the earlier Nigerian case to public attention, described the UK’s intervention as a “vindication of the survivor’s courage and the efforts of rights advocates who have consistently pursued justice.”
They commended the Kent Police for the “swift arrest and diligent prosecution” of the case, asserting that the UK’s decision to remand the doctor reinforces global intolerance for sexual abuse, regardless of jurisdiction. According to them, the renewed legal action overseas strengthens public confidence and affirms that alleged sexual crimes cannot be shielded by technicalities or escape across borders.
Praise for Justice Rahman Oshodi Despite Appeal Court Reversal
The activists also seized the moment to reiterate their commendation for Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, who in October 2023 convicted Olaleye and sentenced him to life imprisonment after a lengthy trial. Justice Oshodi had ruled that the prosecution, led by the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), presented credible and compelling evidence that established the survivor’s claims of defilement and sustained sexual abuse.
Although the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal later overturned the conviction on technical grounds, Soloki and Ojenagbon maintained that Justice Oshodi’s judgment remains a model of judicial diligence and courage. “We must commend Justice Rahman Oshodi for the wonderful job he is doing at the Lagos State Sexual Offences Court,” the activists said. “His handling of the case of Dr Femi Olaleye demonstrated professionalism and commitment to justice. With judges like him, the judiciary truly stands as the last hope of the common man.”
Background: Nigerian Case That Sparked Nationwide Reactions
Dr Olaleye first came under intense public scrutiny in 2022 when he was accused of defiling and repeatedly abusing his wife’s teenage niece over an 18-month period. The matter was initially reported at the Anthony Police Division in Lagos, leading to a comprehensive investigation and eventual prosecution by the Lagos State Government.
After almost a year of legal proceedings, Justice Oshodi found the doctor guilty on multiple counts and handed him a life sentence. The conviction drew both national and international attention, with women’s rights organisations, civil society groups, and concerned citizens praising the ruling as a landmark win in the fight against sexual violence. However, the October 2023 conviction was later nullified by the Court of Appeal, which discharged and acquitted him on procedural grounds, sparking intense debate and criticism from gender-based violence advocacy groups.
It was amid this controversy that the UK authorities reopened investigations into allegations dating back to his years practising in Britain, ultimately resulting in his recent arrest and remand.
Calls for Supreme Court Scrutiny
The activists also urged the Supreme Court of Nigeria to critically examine the appeal filed by the Lagos State Government challenging the Court of Appeal’s decision. According to them, the issues raised before the apex court are too significant to be overlooked, especially considering the severity of the allegations and the implications for public confidence in the justice system.
“We commend the Lagos State Government for pursuing an appeal against the Court of Appeal’s ruling,” the statement read. “We strongly urge the Justices of the Supreme Court to carefully review all the issues and evidence raised. The latest arraignment of Dr Olaleye in the United Kingdom clearly shows that he has serious questions to answer regarding allegations of being a serial sexual offender.”
A Turning Point in Cross-Border Sexual Offence Cases
Observers say the UK’s action underscores a growing trend in global justice systems where alleged sexual offenders can be held accountable across borders, especially when complaints or evidence emerge in multiple jurisdictions. For many gender rights advocates, the case highlights the importance of international cooperation in handling crimes of sexual violence, ensuring that alleged offenders do not evade justice by relocating or exploiting legal loopholes.
As the January 2026 trial date approaches in the UK, survivors, activists, and legal practitioners across Nigeria and Britain will be monitoring developments closely. For now, the doctor’s remand order by the Medway Magistrates’ Court marks another dramatic turn in a case that has continued to evolve across two continents.
