Kate Henshaw Condemns Acquittal Of Controversial Doctor As He Faces UK Custody
Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw has criticized the acquittal of Dr. Femi Olaleye, a doctor previously convicted of defiling his wife’s niece, following a Lagos Court of Appeal decision that overturned his conviction.
Dr. Olaleye, who heads the Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, was initially sentenced to life imprisonment in October 2023 by a Lagos Sexual Offences Court after being found guilty of defilement and sexual assault. The victim, reportedly his wife’s teenage niece, had testified against him during the trial.
Henshaw, who had attended the initial trial, had lauded the lower court’s judgment at the time, calling it a “step toward justice” and commending the judge for a detailed ruling. However, in November 2024, the Court of Appeal Lagos Division overturned the conviction, citing concerns over the reliability of the evidence, including testimony about the victim’s age and a supposed confession by the doctor. The appellate court’s ruling immediately sparked public outrage, with civil society organizations and activists, including Henshaw, calling on the Lagos State Government to appeal to the Supreme Court to ensure justice.
The controversy has taken an international turn. Recent reports indicate that Dr. Olaleye was arrested in London and is currently in custody at a police station in Kent, pending arraignment at the Maidstone Crown Court over alleged past sexual offences.
The charges reportedly relate to incidents prior to his relocation to Nigeria and include allegations that he attempted to bribe a minor to alter her testimony.
Henshaw took to social media to voice her disapproval, writing, “Only in Naija that criminals & rapists succeed & roam about … UK no be Naija,” reflecting widespread public frustration over the Nigerian appellate decision.
While the original Nigerian conviction remains overturned, the state’s appeal is still pending before the Supreme Court. Observers hope that Dr. Olaleye’s forthcoming trial in the United Kingdom will provide an avenue for accountability and reinforce the importance of justice in cases of sexual abuse.
