Judge Ramon Oshodi of the Ikeja Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court on Wednesday admitted Femi Olaleye to N50 million bail with two surety.

Mr Olaleye, the managing director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, was arraigned in court on Wednesbury over allegations of sexually assaulting his wife’s 16-year-old niece. 

Mr Oshodi, in his ruling, said the accused would be remanded in Kiriki prison, Ikoyi, until the bail conditions are met.

Peoples Gazette reported that Mr Olaleye’s arraignment was stalled last week due to his absence in court.

On Wednesday, Babatunde Ogala, the legal counsel representing the defendant, asked the court to admit the defendant on bail on the grounds that he was ready to attend all the trials for the case. 

The counsel argued that the defendant was a leading cancer care advocate whose patients would suffer if remanded in prison custody during the trial.

According to Mr Ogala, the offences levelled against Mr Olaleye are not “grievous allegations like treason” warranting a death sentence. 

The legal counsel added that the behaviour exhibited by Mr Olaleye as it relates to his voluntary presence in court shows that he will comply with the conditions of the court.

He said the defendants came to court with “reliable and liable” professional colleagues ready to stand as sureties for him if granted bail by the court.

Mr Babatunde Martins, the state’s counsel, said the offences levelled against the defendant are serious crimes in Lagos, attracting life imprisonment.

Mr Martins said the prosecution team was concerned that Mr Olaleye could interfere with the case, owing to his relationship with the victim and the accused is a flight risk having a British passport. 

He asked the court to impose bail conditions to ensure the defendant attends his trial.

The judge said the defendant’s sureties would provide titles of two landed properties in Lagos, proof of gainful employment, three-year tax clearance, and proper national identification documents. 

The judge asked Olaleye to submit his international passport, British passport and all travelling documents to the court’s clerk.

The judge adjourned the case until December 19 and 21 for further hearing.