Embattled Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James (popularly known as Baba Ijesha), was denied bail by a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State for alleged sexual assault and attempted rape of a minor.
Recall that On May 17, 2021, Baba Ijesha was granted bail by magistrates and judicial workers on tour to decongest prisons in the state during the industrial action by the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria.
However, Baba Ijesha could not meet the bail conditions which include N500,000 and a level 16 civil servant as surety.
Baba Ijesha was arraigned on a four-count charge of sexual assault by penetration, attempted rape and indecent treatment of a child.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to all the counts.
The prosecutor, ASP Thomas Nurudeen, told the court that the defendant committed the offences in 2013 and on April 19, 2021, at No. 13, Wegbo St., Iwaya, Lagos State.
According to him, the actor sexually assaulted the minor in 2013 when she was seven years’ old by using his private part and a key to rub the private part of the minor.
Nurudeen added that the defendant sexually assaulted the minor when she was 14 years’ old by touching all parts of her body indecently and having indecent deals with her that she could not legally consent to.
The alleged offences contravene Sections 261, 262, 263, and 135 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (revised).
Chief Magistrate, P.E. Nwaka took the plea of the defendant but ruled that his bail application should be taken at the Lagos High Court.
Nwaka adjourned the case until July 14 for mention.
