Lagos rules out possibility of pre-trial bail for Baba Ijesha

The directorate of public prosecution (DPP) of the Lagos justice ministry has advised against releasing Olanrewaju James, the actor better known as Baba Ijesha, on bail.

According to NAN, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Lagos police spokesman, made the development known to journalists on Friday.

Adejobi said the DPP advised the police to retain Baba Ijesha. He said this is pending when he would be charged to court because the case against him is sexual assault by penetration.

“Invariably sexual assault is more like defilement too, considering the age of the victim. If the DPP has advised us to release Baba Ijesha, we will have released him.” the spokesman explained.

“So, Baba Ijesha is being kept with the police not within our own power, but because of the legal advice from the DPP pending when Baba Ijesha’s case will be charged to court.

“After the DPP investigated the case file, the police advised not to release Baba Ijesha on bail pending when he will be charged to court.

“The DPP said that there are a number of cases Baba Ijesha will be charged for, particularly sexual assault by penetration, which is a serious offense.”

Baba Ijesha had been arrested back in April for assaulting a minor who is the foster daughter of Princess, the comedian/actor.

He has since remained in custody where Hakeem Odumosu, the Lagos police commissioner, said he would be until the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) calls off its strike.

Moyosore Onigbanjo, the commissioner for justice, had said that the state’s DPP recommended five charges against the actor — putting him at risk of being sentenced to life imprisonment.

Yomi Fabiyi, another actor, had staged a protest at the Panti police station seeking Baba Ijesha’s release on administrative bail. He had argued that the confession obtained from Baba Ijesha was made under duress.