Dr. Olufemi Olaleye, the Nigerian-born British doctor previously acquitted in Lagos of raping his wife’s niece, has been arrested in the United Kingdom on fresh criminal charges dating back nearly two decades.
Kent Police confirmed that Olaleye, who holds British citizenship, is facing three counts of voyeurism linked to alleged incidents that occurred between 2004 and 2007 while he was employed at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford, Kent. Investigators allege that he secretly recorded private acts involving several women without their knowledge or consent.
According to police briefing notes, one of the alleged victims was a married woman whose secretly recorded video reportedly contributed to the collapse of her marriage after the footage surfaced.
A spokesperson for Kent Police said the seriousness of the allegations and the potential risk he poses justified his continued remand in custody. “The suspect has been assessed as someone who may re-offend and is considered a flight risk,” the spokesperson stated, adding that detectives are continuing to review evidence and speak with potential witnesses.
Olaleye has been a controversial figure since 2022, when he was charged in Lagos with sexually assaulting his wife’s teenage niece—a case that triggered nationwide outrage, protests and debates over the handling of sexual violence in Nigeria. Although he was acquitted by a Lagos High Court in 2024, the ruling sparked criticism from women’s rights groups and segments of the public.
News of his arrest in the UK has renewed public interest in his past legal troubles and raised questions about oversight mechanisms for medical professionals working across jurisdictions.
Kent Police are expected to release additional details as the case progresses, while Olaleye remains in custody awaiting further court appearances.
