The Court of Appeal, Lagos, on Friday upheld the conviction of Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James alias Baba Ijesha, for sexual assault.
Judge Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the Lagos State Special Offenses Court, Ikeja, on July 15, 2022 sentenced the film star to five years in prison for sexually abusing a 14-year-old minor in the state.
He was indicted by the state government on six counts of indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration, and sexual assault by penetration.
Dissatisfied with the ruling, Baba Ijesha appealed to the court to have it overturned.
In Friday’s hearing, a three-member appellate court panel headed by Justice Folasade Ojo convicted the actor on counts 4 and 5.
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In the two charges, Baba Ijesha is accused of indecently touching a minor and committing sexual violence against him.
The other members of the panel are – Justice Abdullahi Bayero and Justice Paul Bassi.
However, Justice Ojo, who delivered the main judgment, set aside the film star’s conviction on charges of indecent treatment of a child and sexual assault of a minor.
However, he believes that eyewitness testimony regarding the incident that occurred on April 19 2021 remains reliable and is one of the most effective ways to determine the occurrence of a criminal act.
The judge noted that the applicant voluntarily admitted to the crime of the events of April 19, 2021, and did not challenge the testimony of the first prosecution witness, Damilola Adekoya during the trial.
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