Baba Ijesha risks life imprisonment for alleged sexual assault

Baba Ijesha, real name James Olanrewaju faces a possible life imprisonment for the alleged sexual assault he was arrested for.

On April 22, Lagos State Police Command said the Nollywood actor was in detention for allegedly defiling a minor

Police spokesman, Muyuwa Adejobi said the case was reported on April 19 by Princess Adekola Adekanya at Sabo Police Station.

The Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu ordered the transfer of the matter to the Gender Unit of the State CID, Panti, Yaba, Lagos for investigation.

Baba Ijesha, 48, allegedly first assaulted the victim when she was 7 years old. The girl is now aged 14.

On Tuesday, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Moyosore Onigbanjo provided an update on the case.

Onigbanjo said the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) issued legal advice that a prima facie case has been disclosed against Olarenwaju.

The advice recommended that the actor should be charged under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Baba Ijesha will face five charges. He will be tried under section 135 - indecent treatment of a child - punishable by seven years imprisonment; section 137 - defilement of a child - punishable by life imprisonment.

Others section 261 - sexual assault by penetration - punishable by life imprisonment; section 262 - attempted sexual assault by penetration - punishable by 14 years imprisonment, and section 263 - sexual assault - punishable by three years imprisonment.

"While the state would ensure James' rights as enshrined in the constitution are upheld, the Ministry of Justice would not relent in its efforts at ensuring that whoever sexually abuses any resident of Lagos is speedily brought to book", Onigbanjo noted.