Over the past month, there have been some controversies surrounding popular comedian, Omiyinka Olanrewaju known as Baba Ijesha and comedienne cum actor Damilola Adekoya known as Princess who accused Baba Ijesha of having sexually molested her foster child. The issues generated mixed reactions from everyone as Princess cried uncontrollably on TV to show her pain over the said issue. To back up her claim, she released CCTV footage as a shred of evidence to nail the accused. The issue caused melodrama between Iyabo Ojo, Yomi Fabiyi. Iyabo Ojo was the opinion that Baba Ijesha would rot in jail and should not be granted bail unless justice is served; Yomi Fabiyi was of the opinion that, the offense on the accused is a bail-able offense that he should not be remanded in custody.
With the industrial action from the judicial arm, closing the gates of the court of law in Lagos, which has stalled many lingering cases from getting a legal hearing, Baba Ijesha has since been remanded in the custody of the Lagos police in other to allow a detailed forensic investigation to ascertain what really transpired. After several social media outcry by activist; Yomi Fabiyi, who led series of online and offline protests demanding the release of the accused, news had it that the accused was finally granted bail yesterday with strict conditions to be met before his release. “From investigation, the whole CCTV footage was staged in a bid to witch-hunt him. Princess and Baba ijesha were said to have been in a romantic relationship in the past; giving the accused easy access to princess abode.” A source disclosed.
One unsung hero who played a pivotal role in securing the bail of Baba Ijesha is Comrade Stephen Aghedo, a well-known human right activist, who got a top lawyer to perfect his bail conditions. The Lagos State Attorney general and commissioner for Justice Moyosore Onigbajo is aware of his bail process.
Sources said; going by the outcome of the investigation, Princess is also risks jail term for negligence, blackmail, character assassination, forcing a suspect to confess under duress, child trafficking, etc. “The case is a twisted one. Princess hardly has time for the children in her custody. She leaves them to themselves for days after she has gone for her gigs. The minor in question is above age 14. Princess’ brother was also having canal knowledge of the girl and has allegedly aborted pregnancy for her in the past. “How can a well-trained 14-year-old girl have dreadlocks on her head. During investigations and cross-examinations, Princess took the girl to a secluded place, told her to play along with the police in the cause of question and answer; unknowing to Princess, the premises were wired with gadgets that recorded her conversation with the girl. Imagine telling the girl to say all sort in other to swing the case in her favour. There are many more things I can’t disclose here for some reason. Cases are not judged based on sentiments or sympathy, we must look at it from all angles and deduce the truth.”
Another source averred that; Iyabo Ojo’s attention on the case opened more can of worms. Her constant outcry and threat on social media did more damage on the case “she threatened Baba Ijesha. She forgot that the Police don’t function based on hearsay they work based on facts gathered from a thorough investigation. Princess has also petitioned officer’s in charge of the case. There are many questions that should be asked. Why is she keeping that amount of minors in her house? What is she using them for? Is she involved in child trafficking? These are the questions that would arise. So at this point, the Offence is not rape. It’s sexual molestation; a bail-able offense. Until his bail conditions are met, before his release.”
