Baba Ijesha Faces Life Imprisonment As Lagos Government Sets To File Charges

The Lagos State Government may soon charge the embattled Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James, popularly known as ‘Baba Ijess’, for sexual assault by penetration, among other crimes.

Sexual assault by penetration is punishable by life imprisonment.

The Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions has recommended five charges “after due consideration of the facts in the case file,” Lagos State Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, said in a statement on Tuesday.

The movie actor was recently caught on tape harassing a minor.

READ ALSO: Baba Ijesha: Over 7,500 Petition Sign Against Yoruba Actor's Release

In a video that went viral on social media, he was also seen confessing to the crime and pleading for forgiveness.

After he was detained, there came a report that the accused was soon going to be released by the police.

The report sparked outrage on social media, leading to a rebuttal by the police who said they were still investigating the matter.

Earlier, it was not clear whether Baba Ijesha would be charged for Sexual Assault by Penetration, but on Tuesday, Onigbanjo's statement appeared to have provided enough clarification.

Onigbajo, who doubled as the Attorney-General of Lagos State, said Baba Ijesa would be charged under the Criminal Law of Lagos State.

YOU MAY LIKE: Baba Ijesha: Mercy Aigbe, Lawyers, Activists, Others Protest Alleged Plans To Release Accused Sexual Assaulter

One of the charges included Indecent Treatment of a Child, which is punishable by seven years imprisonment.

Another is the Defilement of a Child, which is punishable by life imprisonment.

Sexual Assault by Penetration is also punishable by life imprisonment.

The Nollywood star is also being charged for Attempted Sexual Assault by Penetration, punishable by 14 years imprisonment, and Sexual Assault, which is punishable by three years imprisonment.

“Whilst the State would ensure that Mr. Olanrewaju James’s rights as enshrined in the Constitution are upheld, the Ministry of Justice would not relent in its efforts in ensuring that whoever sexually abuses any resident of Lagos State is speedily brought to book,” Mr. Onigbanjo said.

“It is instructive to note that the Lagos State Ministry of Justice has been consistent in its efforts in protecting the vulnerable in our society and since the establishment of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team in 2014, it has till date prosecuted over 800 cases of Sexual and Domestic offenses.

“The Attorney-General hereby assures Lagosians and indeed Nigerians that in accordance with the DPP’s advice, charges would be filed accordingly.”