Admin l Thursday, July 14, 2022
IKEJA, Lagos, Nigeria – Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the Domestic and Sexual Offences Court sitting in Ikeja today sentenced Nollywood actor, James Olanrewaju alias Baba Ijesha to 16 years imprisonment.
He was sentenced on count 2 to 5years, count 3 to 3 years, count 4 to 5 years and count 5 to 3 years. The sentences, according to Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo are to run concurrently with effect from today 14/7/2022.
Recall that the Nollywood star was convicted on four counts, 2, 3, 4 and 5 but the judge absolved him on count 1 and 6.
The six count charges as listed below.
- Sexual assault by penetration
- Indecent treatment of a child
- Sexual assault of 2011
- Indecent treatment of a child 2015
- Sexual assault 2015
- Attempted sexual assault by penetration 2015
Before sentencing him, lawyer to the convict, Prince J.K Olabiran had pleaded with the judge for leniency. According to him, the defendant is a first time offender who has passed through severe trauma at the police detention and Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
He told the judge that the defendant has lost his image over the years and has been deserted by friends. He added that Baba Ijesha has aged parents who depend on him, a wife and son, who look on to him as a father.
“He is a changed person that will not go back to the offence. I am not saying that he should not be sentenced but please consider the least sentence”, he pleaded.
The Director of Public Defender, DPP, Dr. Babajide Martins outlined what the sentence should be as found in the criminal law of Lagos state but said what should be done is at the discretion of the court.
In his judgement, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo said this case brings to the fore the depravity of man , adding that despite efforts of NGOs and govt, the offence of defilement seems not to be waning.
“The behavour of defendant is appalling, molesting a child should never be tolerated. He abused his friendship with the girl and took his acting prowess too far”, she said.
She thereafter sentenced him on count 2 to 5 years, count 3 to 3 years, count 4 to 5 years and count 5 to 3 years. The sentences to run concurrently with effect from today”.
James Olanrewaju alias Baba Ijesha was arraigned on a six-count charge bordering on allegations of indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by penetration. He has pleaded not guilty to the six-count charge.
Four video recordings of Baba Ijesha were played during the trial
One showed Baba Ijesha and the 14-year old in the home of her foster mother, comedienne, Damilola Adekoya alias Princess recorded in April 2021 before his arrest. Both of them were seated on a couch for a while before walking out. When they returned, Baba Ijesha offers her a cup to drink, gave her a soft kiss in her hand and pulls her closer. They spoke in the video but their voices were not audible.
Another showed the defendant sitting on a couch with the survivor, showed two men and a woman walking out but had no audio. Another video showed the defendant sitting on the floor and begging the complainant , comedienne Adekola Adekanoye a.k.a Princess.
