Lagos State Police Command has on Thursday debunked claim of the command having plans of releasing embattled Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, who was arrested for allegedly defiling a minor.
The state Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, made the statement while parading suspects at the police command headquarters on Thursday, adding that Baba Ijesha is still in its custody.
Read Also: Veteran Nollywood Actor, Baba Ijesha Arrested For Allegedly Defiling 14-Year-Old Girl For 7 Years
Recall that Baba Ijesha was recently arrested after he confessed to molesting the teenager and Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed that the actor sexually assaulted the teenager when she was just seven-year-old.
Following this, there were reports that he may be released on bail soon, sparking outrage from many Nigerians including the foster mother of the teenager, popular comedienne, Princess and actress, Iyabo Ojo.
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The Commissioner has now stated that Baba Ijesha would remain in custody pending the legal advice from the Ministry of Justice, adding that all parties, including the victim and the accused, were interviewed at the police command on Wednesday.
Odumosu who told newsmen that the allegation against Baba Ijesha was sexual/ indecent assault which is bailable and not defilement, said the suspect was still being held at State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Panti pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).
He said;
You don’t do trial on pages of the newspaper. There are two cases involved in the Baba Ijebu case: he was alleged seven years ago to have defiled a girl and the girl is now 14 years. At that time, no complaint was made, but last week, a video went viral where he was arrested for sexual assault.
When a man touches a woman where he is not supposed to, without authority and consent, that is what is called sexual assault. That is exactly what is there. He admitted that he actually assaulted.
Read Also: WATCH: Iyabo Ojo Releases Video Of Baba Ijesha Confessing That He Sexually Assaulted Teenager
The Commissioner added;
The case of defilement added to it is still under thorough investigation. Sexual assault is a bailable offence, it is not like rape. For three hours yesterday (Wednesday), they were all with me, I interviewed all of them, one after the other, including the girl that was allegedly assaulted, the mother of the girl, and Baba Ijesha.
We have compiled the case and sent it to the DPP, Office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, for legal advice.
Once that comes out, action will be taken based on legal advice. Till then, Baba Ijesha’ is still in our custody. The case is bailable but we have not considered him for bail.
