Court Orders Woman’s Arrest For False Allegation
The Lagos High Court has ordered the arrest of Rahmat Omolara Animashaun over alleged false sexual assault claims against her estranged husband involving their two minor children.
It follows legal advice by the Lagos Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) recommending her prosecution.
Justice Ibironke Harrison issued a bench warrant for Ms. Animashaun, who failed to appear on July 9 in a criminal case marked LD/25997C/25 filed by the state.
The accused is to answer to charges of perjury, false accusation, false statement to a public officer with intent, and attempt to pervert justice.
The alleged offences are punishable under Sections 86, 95, 96, and 97(3) of the Lagos State Criminal Law, Chapter C17, Volume 3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
Ms. Animashaun and Mr Adewale Olatunji are embroiled in a custody battle.
On October 16, 2022, Ms. Animashaun alleged that both children returned from their father looking pale and sickly.
She petitioned the Zone 2 Police Command, Lagos, accusing Olatunji of sexually molesting their children, but he denied the allegations.
Further examinations at the Police Cottage Hospital reported no bruises or sexual abuse.
The doctors recommended specialist reviews by a pediatric surgeon and a gynaecologist.
All parties were asked to be present on November 17, 2022, but Ms. Animashaun and the Zone 2 Police failed to present the children.
Olatunji, through his lawyers, petitioned the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Headquarters, Abuja, which took over the case.
Ms. Animashaun was directed to produce the children at the National Hospital, Abuja, but she instead left with them for the United States.
The Queens Family Court in New York ordered that the children be released to Olatunji to facilitate their return to Nigeria.
On February 7, the children were evaluated by Dr. Ukpai Nwankwo Ukpai and Dr. Idris Liman at the National Hospital and were declared healthy, with no scars, bruises or evidence of trauma.
The DPP concluded that Ms. Animashaun’s actions were calculated to mislead authorities, defame Olatunji and obstruct justice.
She was arrested in March and was granted bail pending arraignment.
The police investigation revealed that the medical reports that Ms. Animashaun presented were suspected to be fraudulent.
The DPP stated: “The conduct of the suspect was less than honest and honourable.”
Security agencies are expected to produce Ms. Animashaun on September 29.
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