The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal has reserved judgment in the appeal filed by Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James, widely known as Baba Ijesha, challenging his conviction by a State High Court over the sexual assault of a minor.
A three-man panel of the appellate court, led by Justice Folasade Ojo, reserved the appeal for judgment today after hearing arguments from both sides.
Baba Ijesha, in his notice of appeal, sought to overturn the judgment of the lower court, which on July 14, 2022, sentenced him to five years imprisonment for sexual assault on a minor.
Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo (rtd) of the Lagos Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court convicted Baba Ijesha after finding him guilty of four out of six counts brought against him by the Lagos State government.
The counts included indecent treatment of a child and sexual assault, among others. However, he was acquitted of sexual assault by penetration.
In response to the conviction, Baba Ijesha’s counsel, Kayode Olabiran, argued that the prosecution failed to prove the allegations and claimed his client was set up, citing circumstances surrounding the incident.
Olabiran emphasized that Baba Ijesha’s confession was made under duress and urged the appellate court to set aside the lower court’s judgment.
On the other hand, the Director of Public Prosecution, Dr. Babajide Martins, urged the court to dismiss the appeal, asserting that the conviction was valid and supported by evidence.
Dr. Martins also reiterated the victim’s age at the time of the incident, emphasizing her status as a minor under the law.
Following the arguments presented, the Court of Appeal reserved its judgment for a later date, leaving both parties awaiting the final decision on Baba Ijesha’s appeal.
