Absence of witnesses stalls Baba Ijesha trial

Absence of the prosecution witnesses in an ongoing trial of Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James a.k.a Baba Ijesha before a Lagos Special Offences Court, Ikeja, yesterday, stalled his trial for alleged sexual assault.

The prosecution also informed the trial judge, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo, that one of the witnesses set to testify against the defendant was scared to testify in court.

When the case was called, the state counsel, Mr. Yusuf Sule, said: “My lord, the first witness is a police officer. He could not come to court because he has been transferred and needed to get permission from where he was posted.

“The second witness could not come to court; he is jittery. He is scared to come to court. My lord, we will ensure that all the witnesses are in court by next week Friday.”

Justice Taiwo, therefore, adjourned the case to November 19, 2021, for the continuation of the trial.

It could be recalled that James (Baba Ijesha) was arraigned by the state government on a six-count charge.

The charges bordered on the indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by penetration.

His alleged offences contravene Sections 135, 259, 262, 263 and 262 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The prosecution had called five witnesses, which included the victim, and her foster mother, actress and comedienne, Damilola Adekoya, popularly known as Princess.

Others were a child expert, Mrs. Olabisi Ajayi-Kayode; a medical doctor, Dr. Aniekan Makanjuola and a police officer, ASP Wahab Kareem.