Dada Awosika, lead counsel to Baba Ijesha, the embattled actor accused of assaulting a 14-year-old girl, says he is aware that he will be cursed on social media for defending him.
On Thursday, the film star was granted N2 million bail in the defilement case before an Ikeja special offences court.
According to NAN, Awosika spoke during proceedings on Baba Ijesha’s bail application before an Ikeja special offences court.
He was responding to a plea for witness protection by Olayinka Adeyemi, Lagos director of public prosecution, who said Damilola Adekoya (alias Princess), prosecution witness, had been receiving threats from anonymous persons.
It had been requested that the defendant should sign an undertaking promising that the threats would stop.
In his response, Awosika said: “This defendant has been completely ruined on social media. The witness, Princess Adekoya, has even posted videos and published supposed CCTV footage.
“Is it the same social media that there are anonymous accounts, how do they know it is the defendant’s family sending the threats? I have proof of the mother of the child posting videos on social media.
“Does she have proof that the defendant’s people are the ones issuing threats. The Iyabo Ojos of this world would be cursing over social media. I’m sure I will be cursed on social media for making an appearance for the defendant.”
Oluwatoyin Taiwo, the presiding judge, warned that the issue was under judicial consideration and prohibited from public discussion.
“This court will not be swayed by things discussed on social media. I will only be swayed by the facts of the case and the law. Let us all calm down. Please refrain from discussing this case on social media,” the judge added.
In the case, the defendant had earlier pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge bordering on the indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration, and sexual assault by penetration.
The offences contravened Sections 135, 259, 262, 263 and 262 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
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