Absence Of Doctor, Accused Of Child Defilement, Stalls Trial

The planned arraignment of a 57-year-old medical director, Dr. Olufemi Olaleye, for child defilement before the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja was yesterday stalled due to his absence in court.

Olaleye, the founder of Optimal Care Centre, who was charged by the state government for allegedly raping a 15-year-old-minor was said to be out of the country.

Following the development, the trial judge, Justice Ramon Oshodi adjourned the matter to November 30, 2022, for arraignment.

The defendant allegedly committed the offences between February 2020 and November 2021 on Layi Ogunbambi Close, Maryland, Lagos.

Olaleye was also accused of sexually assaulting the survivor by penetrating her mouth with his penis.

The alleged offences contravened Sections 137 and 261 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

When the case was called on Monday, the state prosecutor, Olugbenga Alagbe, informed the court that the matter was for trial and that a letter was sent to the defendant which was duly acknowledged by him.