Nigerians Sign Petition Against The Release of Baba Ijesha

Currently, about 1,200 Nigerians have signed a petition making rounds on social media to forestall the release of popular Yoruba actor and producer, Olarewaju Omiyinka also known as Baba Ijesha, after allegedly defiling a minor. For now, the target is for the signees to reach 1,500.

The actor, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, was arrested last week, after he was reported by the teenager’s foster mother ― a comedienne, Princess ― that he molested the girl when she was seven years old.

The actor was apprehended last Tuesday and the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Muyiwa Adejobi, said there was substantial evidence against the actor as he was caught in the act on Closed Circuit Television, molesting the foster child of a comedienne, Princess.

The PPRO further stated that “Based on preliminary findings, the suspect started sexually assaulting the victim since she was seven years old. The suspect confessed to the crime and was also captured by a CCTV camera in the house of the complainant.”

However, things have taken a new turn as a senior police officer told The PUNCH that the actor may be released on Friday. The source said due to the ongoing strike by members of the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria, courts had ceased from sitting and the suspect could not be detained indefinitely without trial.

The source also said investigation into the recent allegation against Omiyinka revealed that he did not defile the victim, adding that when she was questioned, the victim confirmed the same.

The petition, which is drafted by the Aunt Landa’s Bethel Foundation, on behalf of the teenager’s foster mother, Princess, has urged 1,500 Nigerians to sign against the release of the Yoruba actor, Baba Ijesha.

Dr Yolanda N George-David, who signed the petition, said it is embarrassing to know the Nigeria Police Force are trying to grant the actor bail.

“We seek full justice for the young child. It is embarrassing to know Nigeria Police Force are trying to grant Olanrewaju James Omiyinka bail today at Panti Police station, Lagos state, Nigeria.

“I want to remind the Nigeria Police Force that Section 218 of the Criminal Code Act provides that any person who has unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under the age of thirteen is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for life with or without caning. This law should be excise and thorough investigation is required with evidence already been submitted by the child guidance,” she wrote.

Recall that Baba Ijesha was alleged to have first assaulted the girl sexually when she was 7. Another time, he was said to have penetrated her with a key.

The victim opened up about the incident recently at the age of 14 when she saw a home video of him acting with Princess.

At this point, Princess said she put up a CCTV camera in the house and alleged it captured Baba Ijesha in the act. She says that when he was confronted, he confessed “4 times” and blamed the devil.