I didn’t set my daughter up to be ‘molested’ by Baba Ijesha, says Princess

Comedian Princess, Nigerian actress, says she did not set her daughter up for molestation as alleged by Dada Awosika, one of the lead counsels to Baba Ijesha, her embattled colleague.

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

The three-day trial, which started on Monday, resumed on Tuesday at the Lagos state special offences court in Ikeja.

During the cross-examination, Awosika had questioned the rationale of Princess leaving her foster child with Baba Ijesha on the day she was allegedly molested by the actor.

Awosika’s argument had come after Princess admitted before the court that she had a premonition of Baba Ijesha’s alleged sexual escapades with minors.

The lawyer had described events leading to the arrest of his client as a “set up” allegedly “scripted” by Princess.

The senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) had also cited the manner in which the said minor composed herself during the recording of the CCTV footage, adding that her attitude was questionable.

On his part, Babatunde Ogala, lead counsel to Baba Ijesha, also questioned why Princess decided to record the incident herself instead of reporting the matter to the police directly for proper investigation.

But reacting, Princess denied setting up her daughter for molestation, explaining that the gesture was to ensure she caught her colleague “red-handed.”

The actress also argued that prior to the recording, she was not certain Baba Ijesha would repeat the act he allegedly carried out on the minor seven years earlier.

Princess said the CCTV was only to confirm what the daughter told her, adding that such can therefore not be described as a setup as claimed by the lawyer.

The comedienne also claimed she couldn’t muster the strength to call the police at the time because she was “emotionally distraught.”