By Jesutomi Akomolafe
The Domestic Sexual and Special Offences Court, Ikeja has fixed February 17, 2022 for an open defence of the embattled Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James, also known as Baba Ijesha who is going through trial over allegations of sexual assault.
This came following a submission by the defence counsel, Mr O. Alo, who prayed the court for an adjournment date as the senior lawyer, Mr Dada Awosika (SAN) was indisposed to appear 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 filed against him by the Lagos State Government.
Meanwhiile, Baba Ijesha had pleaded not guilty to all the charges when he was first arraigned on June 24,2021.
Although, the proceedings yesterday was set for adoption of address on no-case submission but the embattled actor decided to open defence.
However, there have been arguments around Baba Ijesha’s confessional statement to the police admitting to the crime and that he was either tortured or coerced to make the statement.
Earlier, in her ruling, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of Domestic Sexual and Special Offences Court, Ikeja, said Baba Ijesha’s confessional statement to the police was admissible in evidence and that there was no evidence before the court, which proved that the embattled Nollywood actor was tortured into giving the statement to the police.
The prosecution counsel had called six witnesses who testified against the defendant.
They are actress and comedienne, Ms Damilola Adekoya, alias Princess; the 14-year-old survivor (name withheld); a child expert, Mrs Olabisi Ajayi-Kayode; a medical doctor, Dr Aniekan Makanjuola and the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), ASP Wahab Kareem and Omane.
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