JUST IN: Court sentences Baba Ijesha to 16 years imprisonment for rape

Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has been sentenced by the court to 16 years in prison for rape.

Baba Ijesha was arraigned by the state government on June 24, 2021 on a six- count charge of child defilement.

The Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions, which proffered the charges against the actor, argued that the offences contravened Section 135, 137, 261, 202, 262 and 263 of the Lagos State Criminal Law 2015, which stipulates life imprisonment for offenders.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

During the trial, six prosecution witnesses testified against the convicts.

They were victim’s foster mother, Princess, the 14-year-old victim, a child expert, Mrs. Olabisi Ajayi-Kayode, and medical doctor, Dr. Aniekan Makanjuola.

Others were the Investigating Police Officer, ASP Wahab Kareem, and a police officer, Insp. Abigail Omane.

READ ALSO: Alleged defilement: Baba Ijesha knows fate July 14

The DPP closed its case against the defendant on December 15, 2021, while Baba Ijesha called four witnesses and closed his defence on April 1.

Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo, who delivered the judgment, said that the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant was guilty of all the charges against him.

She acquitted the defendant on two of the charges and convicted him on four others.

Baba Ijesha was convicted on counts two, three, four and five.

For count two, he was jailed for three years; count three, five years; count four, three years and sentenced to five years for count five.

However, the jail terms are to run concurrently for five years.

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