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Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James, better known as Baba Ijesha, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old minor by an Ikeja Special Offences Court.
The Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions, which prosecuted that case argued that the offences contravene Section 135, 137, 261, 202, 262, and 263 of the Lagos State Criminal Law 2015, which stipulates life imprisonment for offenders.
Baba Ijesha pleaded not guilty to all six counts. However, a Closed-Circuit Television video recording detailing his relationship with the victim said to be a minor was played in court.
The defendant was arraigned on June 24, 2021. During the trial, six prosecution witnesses testified against him.
They were actress and comedienne, Princess, the 14-year-old minor, a child expert, Mrs Olabisi Ajayi-Kayode, and medical doctor, Dr Aniekan Makanjuola.
Others were the Investigating Police Officer, ASP Wahab Kareem, and a policewoman, Inspector Abigail Omane
The Defence counsel led by Mr Dada Awosika (SAN), in adopting his final written address dated May 12 and filed on May 16, urged the court to dismiss the suit and discharge the defendant, arguing that the footage of the CCTV was illegally obtained.
Delivering judgement on Thursday, July 14, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo, convicted Baba Ijesha of indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, and attempted sexual assault, subsequently sentencing him to 16 years imprisonment.
He was, however, discharged and acquitted of count one and count six, which were: sexual assault by penetration and attempted sexual assault by penetration.