The magistrate court in Yaba, Lagos state has denied actor Omiyinka Olanrewaju popularly known as Baba Ijesha bail.
The famous actor was arrested in April 2021 for allegedly defiling comedienne Princess’ foster daughter when she was 7 and 14 years old. After spending 25 days in detention, Baba Ijesha got bail on May 17 by magistrates in charge of prison decongestion. However, he has remained in custody as he was unable to meet his bail conditions.
He was recently arraigned before the Magistrate court. His counsel, Kayode Olabiran, prayed that the court should release his client on health grounds.
While delivering a ruling in the bail application, the magistrate, P.E Nwaka, made it known that the court could not grant the actor bail because the matter is beyond its jurisdiction. Also, the judge explained that the case had already been filed before the high court.
In the same vein, the superintendent of police in charge of the case, Yetunde Cardoso, said the matter is now beyond the police.
She said: “Mr Olanrewaju was actually granted bail during the JUSUN strike and based on the conditions given, he couldn’t meet them and he was properly charged today.
“Just like the court stated, the case has already been filed before the high court and the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) of Lagos State Ministry of Justice has taken over the matter from the police.
“So presently, we have handed over to the DPP so the case is before them (DPP). It has nothing to do with the police anymore, it’s now left for the DPP to handle it.”
Baba Ijesha is facing trial over allegations of rape, sexual assault and abuse of a minor. He was charged with indecent treatment of a child, defilement of a child, sexual assault by penetration, attempted sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault which contravenes Sections 135, 137, 261, 202, 262 and 263 of the Lagos State Criminal Law 2015.
When the charges were read out to him, he pleaded not guilty.
The case has been adjourned to July 13, 2021 for mention.
