By Ayomide Otitoju
A Lagos High Court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Rahmat Omolara Animashaun, who is facing prosecution for allegedly fabricating child sexual abuse allegations against her former husband, Mr. Adewale Olatunji.
The order was granted by Justice I.O. Harrison following Ms. Animashaun’s failure to appear in court on July 9, 2025, in relation to Criminal Case No. LD/25997C/25 filed by the Lagos State Government.
The warrant is based on legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Lagos State Ministry of Justice, which recommended her trial for perjury, false accusations, providing false statements to a public officer, and attempting to pervert the course of justice—offences punishable under Sections 86, 95, 96, and 97(3) of the Lagos State Criminal Law (2015).
The case arises from a protracted custody dispute between Ms. Animashaun and Mr. Olatunji, who share custody of their two children. On October 16, 2022, Ms. Animashaun alleged the children showed signs of abuse after visiting their father and took them to the Mirabel Centre for examination. While initial observations suggested possible abuse, subsequent medical tests at the Police Cottage Hospital were inconclusive, and follow-up evaluations were delayed for over two years.
It was not until February 7, 2025, that a comprehensive medical review at the National Hospital, Abuja, found both children to be in good health with no evidence of abuse.
Following a thorough review of the case file, the DPP concluded that the allegations were deliberately fabricated to mislead authorities and damage Mr. Olatunji’s reputation. The prosecution cited several legal precedents, including Kayode Odukoya v. FRN (2023), Moshood Aroyewun v. COP (2004), and Joseph Nwobike v. FRN (2019), in support of its position.
“The conduct of the suspect was less than honest and honourable,” the DPP stated, emphasizing that the evidence strongly indicated a calculated attempt to pervert justice.
