A Lagos High Court in Ikeja has granted bail to Nollywood actor Omiyinka Olanrewaju, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, who is currently standing trial for alleged sexual assault involving a minor.
Baba Ijesha, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, was granted bail under the condition of providing two sureties and a sum of two million naira. According to the court’s ruling, the sureties must include one legal practitioner and a resident of Lagos State who is also a blood relative of the defendant. He is required to meet these bail conditions within seven days.
The Lagos State Government filed a criminal case against Baba Ijesha, pressing five charges based on the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2015). These include:
1. Indecent treatment of a child – punishable by up to 7 years imprisonment (Section 135)
2. Defilement of a child – carries a sentence of life imprisonment (Section 137)
3. Sexual assault by penetration – also punishable by life imprisonment (Section 261)
4. Attempted sexual assault by penetration – punishable by up to 14 years in prison (Section 262)
5. Sexual assault – punishable by 3 years imprisonment (Section 263)
Earlier, on June 16, the Yaba Chief Magistrate Court denied Baba Ijesha’s bail request. However, during the latest court session, he was represented by a team of prominent lawyers led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Babatunde Ogala, alongside Dada Awosika SAN, Kayode Olabinrin, and over a dozen others. The prosecution team was led by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) under the Lagos Ministry of Justice.
Following submissions from both sides, the court adjourned the trial to July 26, 27, and 28 for continuation.
Prior to this, the Yaba Magistrate Court had extended the actor’s detention until July 13, 2021. Baba Ijesha had been held in custody for over two months since the allegations came to light. His lawyers have maintained his innocence and expressed confidence in securing his eventual release.
The case has drawn widespread attention across Nigeria due to the serious nature of the allegations and public interest, with many civil society groups and individuals calling for justice. Some have even staged protests demanding accountability.
Despite the allegations, legal authorities have confirmed that the offenses are bailable, although meeting the set conditions has proven difficult for the actor in the past.
The case was transferred to the High Court after initial proceedings at the Magistrate Court, reflecting the gravity of the charges involved.
