The embattled Nigerian actor, Baba Ijesha has been granted bail by the special offences courts unit of the Lagos state high court in the sum of two million naira.
Baba Ijesha whose real name is olarewaju James was arrested and detained by the Lagos police for allegedly sexually molesting a 14-year-old girl.
He was arraigned before the court on Thursday on a six-count charge which include treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration. sexual assault by penetration, indecent treatment of a child and sexual assault.
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During the trial, Baba Ijesha pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.
Babatunde Ogala, his counsel, also prayed the court to grant his client’s bail application while the trial continues.
He asked for the defendant to be given adequate time to prepare for his trial and access to his lawyer, adding that there are people ready to stand as sureties for him.
But reacting, Olayinka Adeyemi, the state director of public prosecution, DPP urged the court to deny the actor’s bail application.
Buttressing her point, Adeyemi described the offences brought against the actor as “grave” in nature, citing the sexual assault charge which carries life imprisonment.
The prosecuting counsel urged the court to be careful in its handling of the bail application, noting that the defendant could jump bail while his popularity could also affect the evidence against him in the case.
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The judge, Oluwatoyin Taiwo, in her ruling, ordered that the actor be released on bail while the trial continuues.
Taiwo said the defendant must bring the amount (#2,000,000) alongside two sureties — one of which must be a legal practitioner and the second a family relation.
The judge, ordered that the actor must perfect the bail terms and conditions within the next seven days.
Taiwo said the trial would begin on July 26 through 27 and 28 respectively.
