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The Directorate of Public Prosecution, DPP, of Lagos State Ministry of Justice has issued a legal advice stating that a prima-facie case had been established against popular Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James (Baba Ijesha).
A statement signed by the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, on Tuesday stated that the actor must be charged with child molestation, defilement and sexual assault.
“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 Mr 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.
Mr. Onigbanjo SAN said that the state would ensure that James’ rights as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution are upheld.
“It is instructive to note that the Lagos State Ministry of Justice has been consistent in its efforts in protecting the vulnerable in our society.
“Since the establishment of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team in 2014, it has till date prosecuted over 800 cases of sexual and domestic offenses.
“The attorney-general hereby assures Lagosians and indeed Nigerians that in accordance with the DPP’s advice, charges would be filed accordingly.”
Nigeria Police Force had arrested Baba Ijesha for alleged sexual abuse ofi a minor following a complaint by the victim’s guardian.
The case file was transmitted by the police to the DPP for legal advice on April 30th 2021.
Adult sexual contact with a minor is a crime and a serious moral wrong in Nigeria, and in all countries of the world. A goal of any worthy justice system is to effectively protect children from harm.
