Alleged Sexual Assault: Baba Ijesha Pleads Not Guilt

Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James, popularly known as ‘Baba Ijesa has pleaded not guilty to the offence of sexually assaulting a minor before the Lagos State Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja.

Baba Ijesha was arraigned before the court by the Lagos State government on a six-count charge of indecent treatment of a child, defilement of a Child, sexual assault by penetration, attempted sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault.

After his plea was taken, the State Director of Public Prosecutions, Mrs Olayinka Adeyemi urged the trial judge, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo to remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending the commencement of trial.

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The defence team led by two Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Babatunde Ogala and Dada Awosika, however, told the court that the defence team had filed a bail application and had served same on the prosecution.

But the DPP opposed the request stating that her team is yet to verify the medical reports which the defense intends to rely on for his bail consideration.

In a short ruling, Justice Taiwo granted the request of the defense team and asked parties to argue the bail application.

While moving the bail application, Ogala reminded the court that the issue of bail is purely the right of the defendant as a citizen in line with Section 36 (5) of the Constitution. He asked the court to grant the defendant bail on liberal terms.

The DPP countered the arguments by insisting that the granting of bail is purely at the discretion of the court.

She asked the court to consider the nature of the offence and refuse the request for bail.

Justice Taiwo has stood the matter down to consider and write her ruling on the bail application.