The Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) has advised that criminal charges be brought against Nollywood actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, alias Baba Ijesha.
Baba Ijesha is accused of molesting a 14-year-old foster child of comedienne Damilola Adekoya, popularly known as Princess.
A CCTV footage showing the 48-year-old and the teenager went viral on the internet over the weekend.
A statement signed by the Attorney-General of Lagos State Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) on Tuesday said a prima-facie case had been established against the embattled actor.
“After due consideration of the facts in the case file, the DPP issued legal advice on the 4th of May, 2021, to the effect that a prima-facie case has been disclosed against Mr. Olanrewaju James, and recommended he be charged under the following provisions of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015:
“Section 135, Indecent Treatment of a Child- punishable by seven years imprisonment, Section 137 – Defilement of a Child, punishable with life imprisonment.
“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,” the attorney-general said.
Mr. Onigbanjo added that the state would ensure that the accused’s rights as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution would be upheld.
The attorney-general continued that the ministry of justice would not relent in efforts to ensure sexual abuse of any resident of Lagos would be punished.
“It is instructive to note that the Lagos State Ministry of Justice has been consistent in its efforts in protecting the vulnerable in our society.
“Since the establishment of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team in 2014, it has till date prosecuted over 800 cases of sexual and domestic offenses.
“The attorney-general hereby assures Lagosians and indeed Nigerians that in accordance with the DPP’s advice, charges would be filed accordingly.”
Princess and some sympathisers last week protested at the SCID, Panti following reports that the police planned to release Baba Ijesha on bail.
