Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, on Wednesday, pleaded not guilty before a Yaba Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State where he appeared on a four-count charge of sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child.
In April, Baba Ijesha was arrested by the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in the care of popular comedienne, Adekola Adekanya, otherwise called Princess.
Subsequently, the state Attorney-General, Moyosore Onigbanjo, had filed a prima-facie case against the actor.
In a statement, Mr Onigbanjo had said: “After due consideration of the facts in the case file, the DPP issued legal advice on the 4th of May, 2021, to the effect that a prima-facie case has been disclosed against Olanrewaju James, and recommended he be charged under the following provisions of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
“Section 135 – Indecent Treatment of a Child – punishable by seven years’ imprisonment; Section 137 – Defilement of a Child – punishable with life imprisonment.
“Section 261 – Sexual Assault by Penetration – punishable by life imprisonment; Section 262 – Attempted Sexual Assault by Penetration – punishable by 14 years’ imprisonment, and Section 263 – Sexual Assault – punishable by three years’ imprisonment,” the attorney-general said.
He said that the state would ensure that James’ rights as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution would be upheld.
