A Popular Nigerian Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju Omiyinka, widely known as Baba Ijesha, was arrested last week over the alleged report that he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl. The teenager’s foster mother, another popular Nigerian comedienne, Princess, reported that the abuse started when girl was at the age of seven.
A Senior Police Officer in Lagos state said that there was no case of defilement, people are just talking out of sentiment. They are not talking from the point of law. He also said, “The mother complained that her child was at the age of seven when she was defiled and the child pointed at Baba Ijesha. But the case was not reported until she was 14 years and under the law, the case has become statute-barred.
“Regarding this new case, the CCTV footage has been assessed and nowhere was it captured that Baba Ijesha defiled her. The footage only showed him touching the victim’s body but it never showed him having any sexual intercourse with the girl.”
“The girl also confirmed the same thing. So, in law, it is a case of indecent assault and not sexual harassment, and it is open to bail. So, can we continue to keep him when the offence is subject to bail and when there is no court sitting?”
“That is against his fundamental human rights and the police do not work on sentiments. Directives have been given out for his release on bail.”
Nigerians and a quite number of celebrities have come out to voice their exasperation on social media and as well signed a petition against the release of Baba Ijesha.
Bitch it’s on sight 👀 pic.twitter.com/KfkZxxi5JQ
— Davido (@davido) April 28, 2021
Releasing Baba Ijesha is like putting his life in Danger. Imagine walking in Oshodi and hearing a thunderous slap on his neck from the back. Lock him up.
— Lola Okunrin (@lollypeezle) April 29, 2021
According to Punch, Baba Ijesha was seen touching the body of a minor, but according to the Nigerian law, that is not enough crime to keep him behind bars. I need to understand the Nigerian interpretation of pedophilia and why it is a bailable offense.
— A Distinguished Field Marshal ⚡️ (@General_Oluchi) April 29, 2021
Iyabo Ojo is saying that people are working to get Baba Ijesha out of Panti before the court decides his case & for goodness bloody sake, why are you trying to release a man that has been caught on cctv footage & used his mouth to confess, if you’re not an unfortunate person
— Ebele (@ebelee_) April 28, 2021
Police saw the CCTV Footage of Baba Ijesha touching the Child & said because it did not record him actually raping her there is not enough evidence. The NG Police suddenly know you can't keep someone indefinitely without Trial.
Our Police suddenly know the Law🤡
— ODOGWS 🐐 (@Daddy_Nomso) April 29, 2021
A man called baba ijesha who allegedly raped a child for 7yrs since she was 7yrs old is being released. Well, I hope the Jungle will handle the justice. Cut his D & feed snakes !!This is so disgusting, some1 tell the police nobi all money them di collect. Karma
— Dencia (@IamDencia) April 29, 2021
Sticking a car key or any other object into anyone's vagina without their consent is sexual assault at least.
A 7 year old cannot give consent.
Baba Ijesha needs to face the full wrath of the law.
Yomi Fabiyi needs to be ostracised.
Thank you Princess for standing up.
— Sandra Ezekwesili (@SEzekwesili) April 28, 2021