Baba Ijesha’s bail is victory for rule of law, says Yomi Fabiyi

Yomi Fabiyi, the Nollywood actor, says the release of Baba Ijesha on bail is a victory for the rule of law.

The 48-year-old embattled actor was granted bail on Thursday with his trial scheduled to begin July 26.

Baba Ijesha is being tried on a six-count charge which includes sexual assault by penetration, indecent treatment of a child, and sexual assault.

Reacting, Fabiyi, who has been leading the campaign for his colleague’s release, said the bail shows that Nigeria is gradually coming to terms with respect for the human rights of suspects while a trial is ongoing.

“I have always believed in the rule of law as well as an advocate that bail is a human right and I want to thank the court and the Lagos state government for understanding the efficacy of granting bail to suspects because based on the law, you’re presumed guilty until proven guilty,” he said.

 

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“This is what I’ve been advocating for. It’s unfortunate that when I was saying this earlier, I was being demonised and given wrong names.

“It is time for the Nigerian society to take human rights as a crucial part of our lives. Our educational system barely touches on that and that’s why you see several people attacking my position that the right of every individual must the respected.

“The law isn’t meant for the victims alone, it also captures the interests of the suspects and that’s just what we have seen. Kudos to the rule of law and the fact that we have a society that now supports treatment of people with dignity and respect.”