Confusion As Police Reveals When And How To Release Baba Ijesha

Police have revealed when and how to release Baba Ijesha.

Onyxnews reports that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has said the continuous detention of Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju Omiyinka, aka Baba Ijesha, depends on legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions in the state Ministry of Justice.

He also said the actor would not be released until the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria called off its nationwide strike and the courts resumed so that he could be arraigned.

Odumosu, onyxnews understands that he stated these in reaction to Wednesday’s protest by Omiyinka’s colleague, Yomi Fabiyi, and others, who demonstrated at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Panti, Yaba, to demand his release on bail.

He said based on the legal advice, a prima facie case had been established against Omiyinka, adding that the thespian’s continued detention was based on the DPP’s advice.

READ Video: See How Actress Ada Ameh descended On Fellow Actress Over Baba Ijesha Rape Case

Odumosu said, “When they got the SCIID today (Wednesday), they were advised by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the SCIID, and he told them that we have done our work and sought legal advice from the Ministry of Justice and the advice was that we should still keep him in our custody.

“When we concluded our investigation, we forwarded our report to the ministry for legal advice. The ministry advised us through the Office of the Public Defender. The legal advice was that there was a prima facie case established against him and some sections of the law were quoted in the advice. So, the advice was that he should still remain in our custody and to be charged for that.”

Odumosu said the ministry might review its position concerning Omiyinka’s detention if the JUSUN strike continues indefinitely, adding that a new arrangement had been made in the state for courts to sit three times a week.

The CP said, “Regarding the JUSUN strike, they agreed to be working for three days and striking for two days. They will go on strike on Monday and Tuesday, while the courts will sit on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

“It was our hope that they would work on Wednesday, but coincidentally, Wednesday and Thursday are public holidays. But if the courts continue to remain shut, the Ministry of Justice may further review the report. But right now, we are relying on the advice of the ministry.”

Omiyinka has been in detention since he was arrested for alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl, who is in the care of a comedienne, Adekola Adekoya, aka Princess.

During the demonstration on Wednesday, the protesters demanded that Omiyinka should be released on bail.

Fabiyi, who led the demonstration, said he was not in support of the allegations leveled against Omiyinka, but noted that what he was clamouring for was for his fundamental human rights to be respected.

He also condemned re-traumatizing the victim in a bid to gather evidence, explaining that such a measure would have negative implications on society.

Addressing the protesters, DCP Adegoke Fayoade, who is in charge of the SCIID, stated that the ongoing strike by judiciary workers had impeded Baba Ijesha’s arraignment.

According to DCP Fayoade, “Baba Ijesha’s case, as we are aware, has gone to the DPP. And the DPP has advised us on what to do. What we are waiting for is for the courts to resume; as soon as the courts resume, we will arraign him.”

Meanwhile, Onyxnews reports that Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo, has dragged her colleague and Baba Ijesha supporter, Yomi Fabiyi, to court and sued him for N100 million for “defamatory publication.”

Fabiyi on Wednesday staged a protest demanding the bail and release of Baba Ijesha, held by the police for several weeks for allegedly molesting a minor.

In a letter written by Ojo’s lawyers, the Maverick Forte Legal, it was stated that during Fabiyi’s protest, defamatory statements were inscribed on placards, some of which read, “Nigeria Police please allow the law to dictate to you not Iyabo Ojo, Princess and co. Please release Baba Ijesha.”

Another read, “Iyabo Ojo and Princess promised to kill Baba Ijesha if released on bail in this era??”

Ojo, according to her lawyers, denied making any statement to kill Baba Ijesha or unlawfully interfering with the statutory responsibilities of the Nigeria Police Force.

Read the full statement here