The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal has reserved judgment in the appeal filed by Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, challenging his conviction by a State High Court for the sexual assault of a minor.
The three-man panel of the appellate court, led by Justice Folasade Ojo, heard arguments from both sides before reserving the appeal for judgment.
Baba Ijesha was convicted on July 14, 2022, by Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo (rtd) of the Lagos Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court.
He was sentenced to five years imprisonment after being found guilty of four out of the six counts preferred against him by the Lagos State government.
The charges included indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration, and sexual assault by penetration.
In his notice of appeal, Baba Ijesha asked the appellate court to set aside the judgment of the lower court, arguing that his conviction and sentence were done in error.
His counsel, Kayode Olabiran, contended that the prosecution failed to prove that Baba Ijesha sexually assaulted the victim and questioned the age of the victim, claiming that she was set up and that his client was acting in a scripted scenario.
Olabiran told the court, “The charge itself is centered on defilement of a minor but the prosecution couldn’t prove the age of the victim.
The Appellant was set up. The Appellant is an actor. He acted in a script that he was invited to act by his colleague (PW1), Damilola Adekoya.”
He further argued that Baba Ijesha’s confessional statement was made under duress and urged the court to set aside the judgment of the lower court.
On the other hand, the Director of Public Prosecution, Dr. Babajide Martins, urged the court to dismiss the appeal for lacking in merit and to affirm the judgment of the lower court.
Dr. Martins emphasized that the victim’s age was clearly stated, and she was considered a child at the time of the offense, as she was 14 years old in 2013 when the incident occurred.
“After listening to the parties, the court reserved its judgment till a later date,” said Justice Folasade Ojo, indicating that the judgment will be delivered at a future date yet to be announced.
The case has garnered significant attention, both for its implications on the justice system’s handling of sexual assault cases and its impact on the entertainment industry.
The appeal court’s judgment will be eagerly awaited by many, as it will determine whether Baba Ijesha’s conviction will be upheld or overturned.
