Judge Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the Ikeja Domestic Sexual and Special Crimes Court set February 17, 2022 for Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, also known as Baba Ijesha, to open defense in his ongoing trial over sexual assault allegations. .
The trial judge set the next date for the presentation by the defense attorney, Mr. O. Alo, who begged the court for a short stay as the lead attorney, Mr. Dada Awosika (SAN) was unwilling to appear in court.
Baba Ijesha is facing a six-count charge bordering on indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted penetrative sexual assault and penetrative sexual assault brought against him by the Lagos state government.
He pleaded not guilty to all charges when he was arraigned on June 24, 2021.
However, when the case was called yesterday, Alo told the court that the process was scheduled for the adoption of the address in case the case was not filed, but the suspect decided to open the defense.
He said: “We did not file any case again. In view of the development, we ask the court to give us a date. The two lead attorneys representing the defendant are not in court. Although Babatunde Ogala had informed Mr. Awosika that he will not appear in court today. Mr. Awosika is indisposed; I didn’t know you won’t be able to be in court. We apologize my Lord.”
Prosecution attorney Dr. Jide Matins, in his response, prayed against the postponement. Said the lawyer, Alo must continue with the case.
However, Judge Taiwo agreed to the defense attorney’s request for a short date, adding that if the lead attorneys are not in court on the next date, the attorney will continue with the case.
She said the proceedings are always attended by lawyers and were subsequently adjourned to February 17-18, 2022 for the defence.
It should be recalled that the Lagos state government had closed its case in the last proceeding after cross-examination of the sixth prosecution witness by the defense.
After the prosecution’s statement, the defense attorney, Mr. Kayode Olabiran, announced to the court that the defense intended to file a no-cause filing.
Judge Taiwo said: “We will take the filing without a case in the New Year; the pitch is rounding out”.
Earlier in her ruling, Judge Taiwo had said that Baba Ijesha’s confessional statement to the police was admissible as evidence and that there was no evidence in court to prove that the embattled Nollywood actor was tortured into giving the statement to the police. police.
The prosecution had called six witnesses who testified against the defendant.
They are the actress and comedian, Mrs. Damilola Adekoya, aka Princess; the 14-year-old survivor (name withheld); a child expert, Ms. Olabisi Ajayi-Kayode; a doctor, Dr. Aniekan Makanjuola and the investigating police officer (IPO), ASP Wahab Kareem and Omane.