The Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) has disclosed that Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James, popularly called Baba Ijesha, will be prosecuted for five offences.

In a statement signed by the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), and made available to newmen on Tuesday, mentioned that a prima-facie case has been established against the actor.

He stated that “After due consideration of the facts in the case file, the DPP issued legal advice on the 4th of May, 2021,  to the effect that a prima-facie case has been disclosed against Mr Olanrewaju James, and recommended to be charged under the following provisions of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015:

“Section 135 – Indecent Treatment of a Child – punishable by seven years’ imprisonment; Section 137 – Defilement of a Child – punishable with life imprisonment.

“Section 261 – Sexual Assault by Penetration – punishable by life imprisonment; Section 262 – Attempted Sexual Assault by Penetration – punishable by 14 years’ imprisonment, and Section 263 – Sexual Assault – punishable by three years’ imprisonment”.

He added that the state would ensure that James’ rights as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution would be upheld.

Onigbanjo further stressed that Lagos State Ministry of Justice would not relent in efforts to ensure that sexual abuse of any resident of the state would be punished.

“It is instructive to note that the Lagos State Ministry of Justice has been consistent in its efforts in protecting the vulnerable in our society.

“Since the establishment of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team in 2014, it has, till date, prosecuted over 800 cases of sexual and domestic offences.

“The attorney-general hereby assures Lagosians and indeed Nigerians that, in accordance with the DPP’s advice, charges would be filed accordingly,” he stated.

It would be recalled that the police arrested Baba Ijesha for alleged sexual abuse of a minor while the police forwarded the case file to the DPP for legal advice on April 30.