Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba ljesha, has been denied bail at a Magistrate Court sitting in Lagos State today (Wednesday) over the ongoing trial of his alleged sexual assault.
Recall that Baba Ijesha was arrested on the 21st of April, 2021 and detained by the Lagos State Police after he was alleged to have sexually molested a minor at age 7 and 14, but was later granted bail on May 17th, 2021.
However, during a court trial on Wednesday, June 16, the judge, P. E Nwaka, stated that the court can no longer grant the actor bail because the matter is beyond its jurisdiction. The judge also explained that the case has already been filed before the high court.
Also confirming this, is the superintendent of Police in charge of the case, Yetunde Cardoso, stating that the matter is now beyond the police.
“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 (Wednesday).
“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,” she said.
Furthermore, Olanrewaju’s counsel, Kayode Olabiran, who prayed the court to release his client during the trial citing his deteriorating health, stated that the controversial nature of the case has made it difficult to secure his release despite his bail as intending sureties were scared of the likely consequences.
