The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal has upheld the conviction of Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, also known as Baba Ijesha, for the sexual assault of a 14-year-old minor.
According to The PUNCH, the court confirmed a five-year prison sentence for Baba Ijesha on two counts of indecent touching and sexual assault.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Folashade Ojo, found the actor’s confessional statements and eyewitness testimony reliable evidence of his guilt.
The court rejected Baba Ijesha’s claim that he was merely acting a script, concluding that his actions constituted sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child.
The judge concluded that the evidence presented by the prosecution before the trial court on the offence of indecent treatment of a child, and sexual assault committed by Baba Ijesha on April 19, 2021, is compelling and sufficient to justify the appellant’s conviction.
“In conclusion, I have no hesitation in affirming the appellant’s conviction for the indecent treatment of a child, and sexual assault.
“The appellant indecently touched PW2’s body in a sexual manner, in violation of Section 135 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015. His actions constitute sexual assault against PW2.
“I am of the view that the respondent discharges the burden proving its case beyond reasonable doubt against the appellant on the allegations of April 19, 2021, and I so hold. I have no reason to interfere with the findings of the trial court on the event of April 19, 2021.
“In all, I hold that this appeal succeed in part and it accordingly allowed in part.”
The court ordered as follows, “The appellant’s conviction and sentence to 5 years imprisonment for the offence of indecently touching of a child contrary to Section 135 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011 (count 2 of the charge) is set aside.
“The Appellant conviction of 3 years imprisonment for the offence of sexual assault of a child contrary to section 261 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011 (count 3 of the charge) is set aside.
“I affirm the conviction and sentence of the appellant to 5 years imprisonment for the offence of indecent treatment of a child contrary to section 135 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015 (count 4 of the charge)
“The appellant’s conviction and sentence to 3 years imprisonment for sexual assault contrary to section 263 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011 (count 5 of the information) is also affirmed.
“The sentences for counts 4 and 5 are to run concurrently.”
Baba Ijesha was prosecuted by the Lagos State Government on a six-count charge, including indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration, and sexual assault by penetration.
On July 14, 2022, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo (rtd) of the Ikeja Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court sentenced Baba Ijesha to five years in prison.
