Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James alias Baba Ijesha allegedly defiled a minor twice when she was aged seven, a child forensic interview expert Anike Ajayi-Kayode told the Ikeja Special Offences Court on Tuesday.
Testifying as the third prosecution witness, Mrs Ajayi-Kayode told the court that she is the executive director of Cece Yara Foundation, an NGO founded to prevent child sexual abuse and provide emergency intervention for children.
Led in evidence by Olayinka Adeyemi, Lagos State director of public prosecution (DPP), 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,” she said.
“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.”
The expert 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.
Ajayi-Kayode said that after the interview, she drafted a forensic interview report. A copy of the report was presented to the court by prosecution as evidence.
At the start of proceedings, the defence team had sought adjournment due to absence of lead counsel Babatunde Ogala (SAN) and Dada Awosika (SAN). But it was opposed by the prosecution.
Consequently, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo ordered that the trial should proceed with the third prosecution witness (Ajayi-Kayode) giving evidence.
The judge adjourned the case to October 20 for cross-examination of the witness.
Actress and comedienne Damilola Adekoya (alias Princess), the foster mother of the minor, and Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo were present in court during Tuesday’s proceedings.
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.
