Justice Prevails: Baba Ijesha’s 5-Year Jail Term Affirmed for S+xual Assault

The Court of Appeal in Lagos has upheld the five-year jail term sentence of Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old minor. The appellate court found the appellant guilty on counts 4 and 5, where he was accused of indecently touching a minor and sexually assaulting her.

The judgment was delivered on Thursday, June 27, with Justice Folashade Ojo setting aside the appellant’s conviction on indecent treatment of a child and sexual assault of a minor, which allegedly occurred between 2013 and 2014. However, the court held that the evidence of PW1 (Damilola Adekoya) was an eyewitness account, making it credible and effective in establishing the commission of the offense.

Appeal Court Finds Baba Ijesha Guilty

The Court of Appeal found Baba Ijesha guilty on counts 4 and 5, which accused him of indecently touching a minor and sexually assaulting her. The court affirmed the five-year jail term sentence handed down by the Lagos State High Court on July 14, 2022. Other members of the panel, Justice Abdullahi Bayero and Justice Paul Bassi, agreed with the lead judgment.

The appellant’s conviction was based on the eyewitness account of PW1 (Damilola Adekoya), which the court found credible and effective in establishing the commission of the offense. The court also noted that the appellant voluntarily confessed to the crime and did not challenge the statement of PW1 throughout the proceedings.

Baba Ijesha’s Conviction Overturned on Some Counts

While the Court of Appeal affirmed Baba Ijesha’s five-year jail term sentence, it set aside his conviction on indecent treatment of a child and sexual assault of a minor, which allegedly occurred between 2013 and 2014. The court described the testimony of PW1 (Damilola Adekoya) as hearsay in relation to these counts.

However, the court held that the evidence of PW1 was an eyewitness account in relation to the event that occurred on April 19, 2021, making it credible and effective in establishing the commission of the offense. The court’s decision was based on the lead judgment by Justice Folashade Ojo, with other members of the panel concurring.

Justice Ojo Delivers Lead Judgment

Justice Folashade Ojo delivered the lead judgment, setting aside the appellant’s conviction on some counts while affirming his guilt on others. The court held that the appellant’s voluntarily confessed to the crime and did not challenge the statement of PW1 throughout the proceedings.

The lead judgment was concurred by other members of the panel, Justice Abdullahi Bayero and Justice Paul Bassi. The court’s decision affirms the five-year jail term sentence handed down by the Lagos State High Court on July 14, 2022.

Baba Ijesha’s Sentence Upheld

The Court of Appeal’s decision upholds the five-year jail term sentence handed down by the Lagos State High Court on July 14, 2022. The court affirmed the sentence, finding the appellant guilty on counts 4 and 5, which accused him of indecently touching a minor and sexually assaulting her.

The appellant’s conviction was based on the eyewitness account of PW1 (Damilola Adekoya), which the court found credible and effective in establishing the commission of the offense. The court’s decision is a testament to the justice system’s commitment to protecting minors from sexual assault.

Justice Prevails in Baba Ijesha’s Case

The Court of Appeal’s decision is a victory for justi sentence handed down to Baba Ijesha for sexually assaulting a minor. This ruling sends a strong message that sexual assault will not be tolerated, especially when it involves minors. The appellant’s conviction is a testament to the justice system’s commitment to protecting the vulnerable and upholding the law.

The Court of Appeal found Baba Ijesha guilty on counts 4 and 5, which accused him of indecently touching a minor and sexually assaulting her. The court affirmed the five-year jail term sentence handed down by the Lagos State High Court on July 14, 2022. This decision ensures that justice prevails, and serves as a precedent to deter future cases of sexual assault, especially those involving minors. The court’s decision is a reminder that justice will always prevail, even in the face of adversity.