Alleged Sexual Assault: Minor Testified Against Baba Ijesha

THE 14-year-old minor (name withheld), who was allegedly defiled by Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, testified against him on Tuesday before an Ikeja Special Offences Court.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Baba Ijesha is facing a six-count charge of alleged defilement of a minor. NAN also reported that the minor is the foster daughter of an actress and comedienne, Ms Damilola Adekoya, popularly known as Princess.

After the conclusion of the cross-examination of Princess by the defence counsel, Mrs Olayinka Adeyemi, who is the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in Lagos informed the court that the state would be presenting the minor as its second witness.

The DPP said that she would be invoking the provisions of Child’s Rights Act and the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) which protect the identity of minors in defilement cases. Adeyemi said that she would be requesting that members of the press and public leave the courtroom during the victim’s testimony.

Obliging the DPP’s request, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo ordered members of the public and press out of the courtroom to protect the minor’s identity, leaving only lawyers and court registrars. NAN reported that for more than one hour, the minor gave her testimony and was cross-examined by the defence.

The case was adjourned until August 11 and 12 for continuation of trial.