A group of activists who fought for the arrest and prosecution of Lagos-based doctor Femi Olaleye in Nigeria have praised United Kingdom authorities for arresting and charging him with sexual offences committed while he worked there.
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 during this time that the alleged sexual incidents involving several women happened.
Kent Police, which confirmed his arrest, said three charges of voyeurism were filed against the suspect.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the activists described the development as proof that their accusations against the doctor were correct. They commended Kent Police for the arrest, detention and court appearance that has now led to his remand until January 2, 2026, when his trial is expected to begin.
The joint statement was signed by 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.
The activists praised Justice Rahman Oshodi for the judgment he delivered in October 2023, when he sentenced Olaleye to life imprisonment for sexual offences after a year-long trial.
However, the Court of Appeal in Lagos later discharged and acquitted Olaleye on a technical ground.
The activists said the UK charges reinforced the strength of the evidence that was earlier presented in Lagos.
“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,” they said.
“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,” the activists added.
Olaleye was arrested at Heathrow Airport on Thursday, November 27, 2025, when he arrived from a trip. He was taken to Kent Police Station, where he stayed until his court appearance at Medway Magistrate Court on Friday, December 5, 2025.
The doctor, now 58 years old, 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 in Lagos and later sentenced to life imprisonment in 2023 following a thorough trial. However, the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal overturned the conviction.
The activists urged the Supreme Court to carefully 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,” they stated.
“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,” the activists said.
