Embattled Yoruba actor, Omiyinka Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, who was arraigned at a Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria has been granted bail.
The actor, who is being tried by Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo over charges bordering on rape, sexual assault and abuse of a minor, was granted bail on the ground that it was part of his fundamental human rights.
The judge granted the actor bail in the sum of two million naira with two sureties.
The judge also ordered that one of the sureties must be a blood relative of the defendant and the other, a lawyer.
The defendant is facing a six-count charge bordering on indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by penetration.
But the actor pleaded not guilty to the six-count charge which contravene sections 135, 259, 262, 263 and 262 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Following the plea, the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Olayinka Adeyemi, requested that the defendant should be remanded by the court.
In a bail application supported by a 29-paragraph affidavit, Lead defence counsel, Dada Awosika (SAN), prayed the court to grant the defendant bail in liberal terms.
The bail application was brought pursuant to Section 105(2) and (3) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, 2015, and Sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“I will wish to note that the issue of bail, especially on an offence of this nature, is a constitutional right.
“This is a right the defendant has been deprived of for the past 48 days when he was unlawfully held by the police.
“We are also not unconscious of the JUSUN strike which made it difficult to bring him to court,” he said.
The counsel prayed the court to grant the defendant bail, saying that it was guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution.
“Imagine if this man is kept in detention for many years and is found innocent, will there be any restitution? No.
“Justice and fairness should be done,” he said.
In response, Adeyemi urged that the defendant should be denied bail.
According to het, the defendant is a flight risk and can influence witnesses, if granted bail.
“I want to bring to my Lord’s attention the nature of one of the offences – sexual assault by penetration – which carries life imprisonment.
“Bail is a discretionary right, it is not a constitutional right.
“On the nature of the offence and the strength of the evidence, there is a prima facie case before your lordship.
“The court should take judicial notice of the crime which is rampant in society,” she said.
Adeyemi said that prosecution had six witnesses in the case.
Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo earlier stood-down proceedings, before giving the ruling on the bail application.