Nollywood Actor Baba Ijesha Granted Bail in Sexual Assault Case

An Ikeja Special Offences Court in Lagos has granted bail to Nollywood actor Omiyinka Olanrewaju, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, who is facing trial for the alleged sexual assault of a minor.

Olanrewaju, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges, was granted bail for two million Naira with two sureties. The judge ruled that the actor must meet the bail conditions within seven days.

The conditions stipulate that one surety must be a lawyer, while the other must be a blood relative residing in Lagos. Both sureties are required to provide evidence of tax payments for the past three years.

The Lagos State government has brought a criminal case against Olanrewaju, with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) recommending a five-count charge based on the 2015 Criminal Law of Lagos State. The actor was represented in court by a legal team of over 15 lawyers, led by Babatunde Ogala, SAN.

This decision follows a previous ruling on June 16, when a Yaba Chief Magistrate Court denied Olanrewaju’s initial bail request and extended his detention. The actor has been in custody for over two months in a case that has drawn significant public interest and protests across Nigeria.

The court has adjourned the trial until July 26, 27, and 28.

Details of the Charges

According to a statement from Lagos Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, the DPP has recommended that Olanrewaju be tried for the following offences:

Indecent Treatment of a Child (Section 135): Carries a penalty of 7 years imprisonment. Defilement of a Child (Section 137): Punishable by life imprisonment. Sexual Assault by Penetration (Section 261): Punishable by life imprisonment.

Attempted Sexual Assault by Penetration (Section 262): Carries a penalty of 14 years imprisonment. Sexual Assault (Section 263): Punishable by 3 years imprisonment.