The Police have arraigned embattled Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, before a Lagos State Chief Magistrate Court in Yaba over the sexual assault case against him.
Baba Ijesha has been under media trial since April 22, 2021, when the Lagos State Police Command announced his arrest for allegedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in the care of popular comedienne, Adekola Adekanya, otherwise called Princess.
The Police were unable to institute charges against him in court due to the industrial action embarked on by the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN.
As the judicial workers called off their strike last week and resumes activities yesterday, Baba Ijesha was brought to court today for the hearing of the case.
Read Also: Lagos Set to Replace Igbosere High Court With Digitalize Court
Baba Ijesha who pleaded not guilty to the charges was however denied bail due to lack of jurisdiction because the state government through Department of Public Prosecutions, DPP, had filed same case at the High court.
He was charged with indecent treatment of a child, defilement of a child, sexual assault by penetration, attempted sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault – which contravenes Sections 135, 137, 261, 202, 262 and 263 of the Lagos State Criminal Law 2015.
The Prosecutor S. A Adebesin informed the court that an information had been filed before the High Court.
Responding Baba Ijesha lawyer, Kayode Olabiran made a fresh application for bail of the Mr. Olanrewaju.
In a short ruling, the Magistrate noted that Baba Ijesha will remain in detention till he would be tried at the High Court.
Magistrate Nwaka directed that full medical attention should be accorded to the actor who had complained about his state of health when dock.
Also Read: Bank Boss, Atuche, Knows Faith Today Over N25.7 Billion Fraud
The matter was thereafter adjourned till July 21 for further directives.
Baba Ijesha colleagues like Yomi Fabiyi and other supporters as well as family members were seeing in court in solidarity with him
Fabiyi, while speaking with reporters, said, “I am in court because I believe in the rule of law and I have right to come to the court and observe the case.
“The young man is my colleague; I cannot deny him at this stage, I am too refined for that.
