Admin l Wednesday, December 21, 2022
IKEJA, Lagos, Nigeria – Beauty X, the victim (not her real names) today testified against Femi Olaleye, the Managing Director of Optimal Healthcare who sexually abused her while she was living with the family.
Beauty X who was brought to court heavily guarded, wearing a face mask is now 18 years, which is the actual age of adulthood in the Nigerian constitution but she nevertheless testified behind closed door affirming what Mrs. Adreremi Fagbemi Olaleye, the wife of the MD said in the court.
Prior to bringing Beauty before the court, the state prosecution, led by Dr. Babajide Martins, DPP prayed that the judge should vacate the court since the victim is a minor to avert negative publicity, citing relevant section of the 1999 constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJL amended.
The defence team, led by Babatunde Ogala and Olusegun Famoriyo, SANS did not object but said in the court that though the girl is now 18, he is not objecting on the basis of morality.
Earlier, the Prosecution had filed a motion seeking the prayers of the court to strike out earlier application for the victim to appear via virtual hearing to pave way for physical appearance of the victim. The content of the application before the judge, warranting such a change in application was not read in the open court.
Justice Ramon Oshodi ruled that the prosecution motion on notice is struct out having been withdrawn, adding that the request of the prosecution for a closed hearing is in line with the constitution and the ACJL.
“I have carefully considered sans request for closed section, alluding to constitution … and ACJL of Lagos amended, I order that the court be vacated for closed section. The defendant is at liberty to nominate anybody to attend, the hearing”, the judge ruled.
In previous sitting, wife of the Optimal Care MD, testified as follows, HERE