Lagos: We’re not ruling out rape in Baba Ijesha case

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Team (DSRVT) says the rape allegations in the case of Baba Ijesha, the actor who admitted to molesting a 14-year-old girl, are also being considered.

Shortly after Baba Ijesha’s confession to the crime, Hakeem Odumosu, the Lagos commissioner of police (CP), had pointed out that the actor’s offence remains bailable, unlike rape cases.

Odumosu had, however, noted that the Yoruba film star was still in custody, where he would remain pending advice from the ministry of justice.

“When a man touches a woman where he is not supposed to, without authority and consent, that is what is called sexual assault. That is exactly what is there. He admitted that he actually assaulted,” the commissioner had said.

But in a statement on Friday, the DSRVT said it is now actively following up on the assault case. It also said that a duplicate case file has also been sent to the directorate of public prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.

The DSRVT added that allegations of sexual assault by penetration (rape), which it said carry a penalty of life imprisonment in Lagos, are being considered.

“We are also in direct contact with the complainant with a view to providing the necessary support,” DSRVT’s statement read.

“For avoidance of doubt, the following allegations are being considered:

“(1) Sexual Assault by Penetration S261 of the Criminal law of Lagos State, 2015 punishable by life imprisonment.

“(2) Attempted Sexual Assault by Penetration – S262 of the Criminal law, punishable by 14 years imprisonment.

“(3) Sexual Assault S 263 of the Criminal Law, punishable by 3 years imprisonment.

“(4) Indecent treatment of a childS135 of the Criminal Law punishable by 7 years imprisonment.”

Amid a Lagos protest against alleged plans to release Baba Ijesha, TheCable Lifestyle earlier examined what the law says about the actor’s crime.