We’re Following Baba Ijesa’s Case-LASG
The Lagos State government has declared that it is doing a follow-up on the ongoing investigation of the allegation of sexual molestation of a 14-year-old minor leveled against popular Yoruba actor, Olanrewaju James Omiyinka (aka Baba Ijesa).
This was as the state government disclosed that it has been in direct contact with the complainant, with a view to providing “the necessary support”.
This was revealed in a statement issued today by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Team (LSDSVT), which also confirmed that it has the duplicate of the case file has been forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.
Damilola Adekoya, a Yoruba comedienne popularly known as Princess, had, in a video that has since went viral, accused Baba Ijesa of sexually molesting the then seven-year-old girl who is in her care, some seven years ago, and also allegedly attempted to do same to the same girl who is now 14 years old.
The Yoruba Nollywood actor was seen in the eight-minute video recording admitting to the offence, attributing it to the handiwork of the devil and pleading with Princess to forgive him.
(LSDSVT), in the statement, said: “This is to inform members of the public that the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Team is actively following up on the Baba Ijesha’s case. We are also in direct contact with the complainant with a view to providing the necessary support.
“We confirm that the duplicate case file has been forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice. For avoidance of doubt, the following allegations are being considered:
“Sexual Assault by Penetration- S 261 of the Criminal law of Lagos State, 2015 punishable by life imprisonment.
“Attempted Sexual Assault by Penetration-S262 of the Criminal law, punishable by 14 years imprisonment.
“Sexual Assault- S263 of the Criminal Law, punishable by three (3)years imprisonment.
“Indecent treatment of a child- S135 of the Criminal Law punishable by seven (7) years imprisonment.”
The statement further restated the confidence of the Lagos State government in the criminal justice system and the social support structures in the state towards ensuring that justice is served and the victim is supported in her healing process.
“We have absolute confidence in the criminal justice system, as well as social support structures in Lagos State in ensuring justice is served in this matter and most importantly, the survivor receives the relevant support on her journey towards healing.
“We therefore use this medium to reiterate Lagos State government’s position of zero-tolerance to all forms of sexual and gender-based violence and our firm commitment in ensuring justice for survivors,” the statement added.
