Baba Ijesha: Judge bars parties from discussing matter on social media

“This court will not be swayed by things discussed on social media.”

News Agency of Nigeria • June 24, 2021

Olanrewaju James aka Baba Ijesha and Damilola Adekoya, aka Princess

Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo has cautioned parties against taking the child defilement suit against actor Olanrewaju James alias Baba Ijesha to social media.

Baba Ijesha was arraigned in court after many days of incarceration following allegations that he sexually assaulted a teenager. The court granted him bail on Thursday.

The judge said the issue had become sub judice (under judicial consideration and therefore prohibited from public discussion), hence it should no longer be subjected to social media debate.

“This court will not be swayed by things discussed on social media. I will only be swayed by the facts of the case and the law. Let us all calm down.

“Please refrain from discussing this case on social media,” Justice Taiwo said at the hearing of the bail application at Ikeja Special Offences Court.

The lead counsel to Baba Ijesha, Dada Awosika (SAN), had kicked against a plea by the prosecuting counsel, Olayinka Adeyemi, for the court to compel the actor to sign an undertaking that no harm would befall Damilola Adekoya, the prosecution witness and mother of the alleged victim.

Ms Adeyemi, Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution, told the court that Ms Adekoya has been receiving threats from unknown persons.

In his response, Mr Awosika said: “This defendant has been completely ruined on social media.

“The witness, Princess Adekoya, has even posted videos and published supposed CCTV footage.

“Is it the same social media that there are anonymous accounts, how do they know it is the defendant’s family sending the threats?

“I have proof of the mother of the child posting videos on social media; does she have proof that the defendant’s people are the ones issuing threats.

“The Iyabo Ojos of this world would be cursing over social media. I am sure that I will be cursed on social media for making an appearance for the defendant.”

The defendant earlier pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge bordering on indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by penetration.

The offences contravene Sections 135, 259, 262, 263 and 262 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

(NAN)

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