After almost two months in detention, Omiyinka Olanrewaju popular as Baba Ijesha finally had his day in court.
The comic actor who had been alleged of child defilement was arraigned at the Yaba Magistrate court on Wednesday, June 16.
Recall that he was accused of molesting the foster daughter of comedienne, Princess, when she was seven and 14 years old.
Hopes that the actor would be granted bail was however dashed.
His lawyer, Kayode Olabiran, prayed the court to release his client on health grounds, but the court decline the prayer.
This is the second time the actor will fail to get bail.
Recall that he was granted bail on May 17 by magistrates in charge of prison decongestion, but also failed to meet the condition of bail.
Ruling in the bail application, the magistrate, P.E Nwaka, held that the court can not 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.
According to Yetunde Cardoso, the superintendent of police in charge of the case, said 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.
“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.
Baba Ijesha is facing trial over charges bothering on rape, sexual assault and abuse of a minor.
He was charged with indecent treatment of a child, defilement of a child, sexual assault by penetration, attempted sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault which contravenes Sections 135, 137, 261, 202, 262 and 263 of the Lagos State Criminal Law 2015.
He pleaded not guilty when the charges were read out to him.
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