James Olanrewaju aka Baba Ijesha
EKO HOT BLOG reports that popular Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju Omiyinka well known as Baba Ijesha, has pleaded not guilty to charges of child molestation before an Ikeja Special Offences Court sitting in Lagos.
It was gathered that Baba Ijesha, on Thursday, pleaded not guilty to six counts bordering on the indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by penetration.
The offences are said to violate Section 135, 259, 262, 263, and 262 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Following the plea, the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mrs Olayinka Adeyemi, requested that the defendant be remanded by the court.
It was further learnt that in a bail application supported by a 29-paragraph affidavit, the Lead defence counsel, Mr Dada Awosika, SAN, pleaded that his client be granted bail with liberal terms.
EKO HOT BLOG understands that the bail application was brought pursuant to Section 105(2) and (3) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, 2015, and Sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
READ ALSO: Alleged Sexual Assault: Baba Ijesha, Princess, Yomi Fabiyi Arrives Court
“I will wish to note that the issue of bail, especially on an offence of this nature, is a constitutional right.
“This is a right the defendant has been deprived of for the past 48 days when he was unlawfully held by the police.
“We are also not unconscious of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) strike which made it difficult to bring him to court,” the Lead defence counsel said.
The counsel further prayed the court to grant the defendant bail, noting that it was guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution.
“Imagine if this man is kept in detention for many years and is found innocent, will there be any restitution? No.
“Justice and fairness should be done,” he said.
In response, the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution urged the court to deny the defendant bail, saying he can influence witnesses.
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