The Lagos State Police Command has debunked reports that there were plans to release Nollywood actor Baba Ijesha who was arrested last week for alleged defilement.
A senior police source had earlier told PUNCH that the 48-year-old was due for release on bail on Friday.
The news prompted actress Iyabo Ojo and the alleged victim’s guardian comedian Princess and others to stage a protest at SCID, Panti.
Lagos police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi, however, told NAN on Thursday that there were no plans to release the suspect.
He added that the commissioner of police Hakeem Odumosu had ordered the detention of the suspect pending the receipt of legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPPs).
“The CP had already said that the suspect would remain in police custody and would not be released. His case file has been sent to the DPP for advice. After the DPP’s advice, we will know what to do.” Mr. Adejobi said.
Adejobi had said in a statement shortly after Baba Ijesha’s arrest that preliminary findings revealed that the suspect started assaulting the victim sexually when she was seven years old.
There was an uproar on social media on Thursday following reports that a directive had been given for the release of the actor from custody.
Iyabo Ojo subsequently released a video of the suspect confessing to the crime and begging for forgiveness.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Mr. Odumosu said the offence for which Baba Ijesha is in custody is bailable.
