Admin l Wednesday, January 26, 2022
LAGOS, Nigeria – Celebrated Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James better known as Baba Ijesha has made procedural u-turn in approach to his defence on six count charges of defilement, indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault and attempted sexual assault by penetration.
The Domestic and Special Offences Court, where he is on trial had adjourned for a no-case submission but at the resumption of trial today, Counsel to the defendant , Mr. Dotun Ajulo from Dada Awosika Chambers told the court that his client is no longer interested in a no-case submission plea but has decided to enter his defence.
“We did not file no-case submission again. In view of the development, we pray the court to give us a date. Both senior counsels representing the defendant are not in court. Although Babatunde Ogala had informed Mr. Awosika that he will not be in court today.
“Mr. Awosika is indisposed, he didn’t know he himself that he will not be able to be in court. We apologise my Lord”, he said.
Alo who said he is making his appearance for the first time urged the court for a date to begin his defence.
Director of Public Prosecution, Dr. Babajide Martins cited relevant cases to buttress the fact that absence of the lead counsel is not enough to forestall the trial, stressing that he is equally making appearance in the case for the first time.
Ruling on the matter, Justice Taiwo Taiwo said the learned silk had always attended proceedings and that she would give him the benefit of doubt and adjourned to February 17 and 18 for defence.
