The Judiciary

Baba Ijesha Sexual Offence Trial Judgement Day Draws Closer As He Calls Last Witness

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The defence in ongoing defilement trial of Nollywood actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka James alias Baba Ijesha, on Friday closed its case before an Ikeja Sexual Offences Court in Lagos State.

While the trial judge Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo fixed June 6, for the adoption of final written addresson the case.

At resumed hearing of the matter on Friday, the last of the defence witnesses, Mr. Olukayode Ogunbanjo, alias Pastor Jerosi, told the court that he had worked with the defendant for over 15 years in the entertainment industry.

While being led in evidence by co-defence counsel, Kayode Olabiran, the Nollywood actor and a comedian told the court that Baba Ijesha was his friend and a colleague.

He claimed that Baba Ijesha got in contact with Damilola Adekoya, alias Princess during one of the shows he anchored called, “Orisun”.

“We were like five that used to do the show together. On that date while the show was going on, Princess called on the hot line that she wanted to join our programme.

“There was a day she called Baba Ijesha that he should come over to her place in Iwaya. I drove the car to Princess’ houses in Iwaya.

“When we got there, Ijesha prostrated to Princess’ mother and the woman said, ‘take good care of my daughter’.

“Ijesha at that point revealed to me that he was dating Princess but she was taking the relationship too far,” Olabiran said.

The fourth witness under cross-examination, the Lagos State prosecution counsel, Mr. Yusuf Sule, stated that he did not have a knowledge of what transpired inside Princess’ house.

“On April 19, 2021, I will be correct to say that you were not at No. 13 Wellbow Street Iwaya, as a result, you do not know what transpired inside Princess’ house,” the state prosecutor  asked.

“On April  19, 2021, I did not know what transpired inside the house as I was in Aguda in Surulere.

“All I know is what I have said. I was not inside the house. I do not have any knowledge of what happened in the house,” the witness said.

Earlier, the defence counsel, Mr. Dada Awosika, SAN, had informed the court that the witness would be the last to testify and appealed to the court for date of adoption of final written address.

“I wish to appeal to the court for the possible date of adoption of final written address,” said Awosika.

Justice Taiwo said both counsel should exchange their written addresses and be ready for adoption.

The judge adjourned the case till June 6 for the adoption of final written address.