A child forensic expert Anike Ajayi-Kayode has claimed that Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James popularly known as Baba Ijesha allegedly defiled a minor.
Mrs. Anike who is the executive director of the Cece Yara Foundation made the claims before an Ikeja Special Offences Court on Tuesday.
Testifying as the third prosecution witness, Ajayi-Kayode told the court that she was a certified child forensic interview specialist. She also stated that she had participated in over 25 child forensic interviews.
Led in as a witness by Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Olayinka Adeyemi, Ajayi-Kayode said that the alleged victim was relaxed, cooperative and could recall events when she was being interviewed.
“The clinal presentation of child sexual abuse was quite evident. The perpetuator engaged the child in a sexual activity when she was seven years old, on two occasions.
“On the 19th of April 2021, he sexually harassed her, touching her body. He told her: ‘I touched you some years back, you are so grown, so developed. Do you have a boyfriend? We have some unfinished business’. These are the clinical presentations of child sexual abuse.
“These are the dynamics of child sexual abuse and the modus operandi of perpetuators – inculcation of secrecy, intimidation, threat or coercion,” she said.
The expert also noted that child sexual abuse involved only the victim and the perpetrator, adding that because of his or her vulnerability, a child might not be able to comprehend the magnitude of the offence.
She also said that she drafted a forensic report after the interview.
A copy of the report was presented to the court by prosecution as evidence, marked as exhibit G.
Flash drives which contains the digital forensic interview of the minor was also tendered in evidence by prosecution and was marked as exhibits H and H1.
“My conclusion is that she narrated the whole truth, she was tenacious, she was bold and relaxed,” the expert said.
After the proceedings, the judge adjourned the case to October 20, for cross-examination of the witness.
Baba Ijesha faces a six-count charge bordering on indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by penetration.
Comedienne Princess the foster mother of the minor and Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo were present in court during the proceedings.
