The Lagos State government has said it has absolute confidence in the criminal justice system regarding the rape allegation levelled against Olanrewaju Omiyinka, a Nollywood actor popularly known as Baba Ijesha.
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Team (DSRVT) made this known in a statement on Friday.
There has been public outcry following the revelation that Baba Ijesha allegedly raped a girl in the care of popular comedienne, Adekola Adekanya, better known as Princess, when she was seven years old, and purportedly molested her recently at 14 years old.
It was learnt that the recent act was captured on Close Circuit Television (CCTV) after it was purportedly instigated by Princess in a bit to catch Baba Ijesha red-handed.
The actor was seen in another footage remorsefully pleading to Princess and some other persons, who reportedly caught him sexually assaulting the minor in the parlour.
Following reports that the Lagos Police Command had wanted to release Baba Ijesha on bail, some celebrities and other persons joined Princess at a protest at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Panti, Yaba, against the said decision.
Hakeem Odumosu, the Lagos Commissioner of Police, had noted that the actor’s offence remains bailable, unlike rape cases.
Odumosu had, however, noted that the Yoruba film star was still in custody, where he would remain pending advice from the Lagos Ministry of Justice.
The Lagos DSRVT on Friday said it is now actively following up on the alleged assault case.
The statement read: “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 for legal advice. For the 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 3 years imprisonment. Indecent treatment of a child- S135 of the Criminal Law punishable by seven years imprisonment.
“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.”
