A Domestic Sexual and Special Offences Court, Ikeja has fixed February 17, 2022 for a Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James, alias Baba Ijesha to open defence in his ongoing trial over allegations of defilement.
The trial judge, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo, fixed the date following the prayers by the defendant counsel, Mr Dotun Ajulo, who prayed for a short adjournment date to enable the senior lawyer, Mr Dada Awosika, SAN, who is indisposed to be in court.
Baba Ijesha is facing a six-count charge bordering on indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by penetration.
He had pleaded not guilty to all the counts charge when he was arraigned on June 24, 2021.
At the resumption of trial, Mr. Ajulo told the court that the proceedings was scheduled for adoption of address on no-case submission but the defence has decided to enter defence.
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The prosecution counsel, Dr. Jide Matins in his response prayed against the adjournment.
He said the lawyer should continue with the case.
Justice Taiwo however granted defendant counsel request for a short date, said if the senior lawyers are not in court on the next date, the lawyer would go on with the case.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to February 17 and 18, 2022. for defence.
Lagos State government had closed its case on the last proceeding after the cross-examination of the sixth prosecution witness by the defence.
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While Baba Ijesha legal team announced to the court that they intended to file a no-case submission.
The prosecution had called six witnesses who testified against the defendant.
They are; actress, Ms Damilola Adekoya, alias Princess; the 14-year-old survivor (name withheld), a child expert and Mrs Olabisi Ajayi-Kayode.
Others are: a medical doctor, Dr Aniekan Makanjuola, the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), ASP Wahab Kareem and Omane.
