No evidence Baba Ijesha gave statement under duress – Court

LAGOS, Nigeria – Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of a Special Offences Court in Ikeja has admitted in evidence the confessional statement of Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James alias Baba Ijesha facing trial over allegations of defilement.

The judge ruled that there was no evidence before the court which proved that the embattled Nollywood actor was tortured into giving the statement to the police. She noted that claims that a police officer, Insp Abigail Omane had promised to set him free if he owned up to the allegations were not  corroborated and described the defendant’s application to the court as an afterthought.

“Sitting on the floor does not vitiate the confessional statement. The statement is found to be relevant and admissible,” the judge said. Following the ruling, the last prosecution witness, Insp Abigail Omane resumed her evidence.

While being cross-examined by defence counsel, Mr Kayode Olabiran, Insp Omane threw more light on why the defendant’s shirt was torn when he was brought to the police station.

“The survivor told us that she was the one that beat him. There was no report of harassment of the complainant at the police station three-years ago. I’m not aware if the police were informed prior to the installation of the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) at the complainant’s house,” she said.

Subsequently, the prosecutor told the court that the case would be closing its case. Following the submission, the defence counsel, Mr Kayode Olabiran announced to the court that the defence intends to file a no-case submission.

The judge thereafter adjourned till January 26, 2022 to entertain the no-case submission.