Baba Ijesha Seeks Bail Pending Appeal Determination

James Olanrewaju aka Baba Ijesha, the Jailed Nollywood actor, has asked an Ikeja Domestic and Sexual Violence Court to grant him post-conviction bail pending hearing and determination of his appeal before the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal.

The renown actor was in July 2022, sentenced to 16 years imprisonment for child defilement by Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo 

He was convicted of four out of a six count charge brought against him by the Lagos State Government.

Baba Ijesha was jailed on the strength of the following charges, child defilement, indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault and attempted sexual assault by penetration.

He is presently serving a five-year concurrent jail sentence 

Baba Ijesha, came to court again on Wednesday to seeking suspended imprisonment pending appeal.

 Chukwudi Adiukwu, lawyer to the actor informed the court, that they have filed an application for bail pending appeal, pursuant to section 6 (6) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

Adiukwu argued that section 51 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, Lagos State 2015, empowers the court to admit the applicant to bail, either unconditionally or upon reasonable conditions.

He said granting their application would serve the course of justice, 

Adiukwu further highlighted special circumstances under which the court could grant bail and suspended sentence to his client to include the difficulty in getting an early date at the court of appeal, considering the number of cases in their docket.

He also stated that when the prison calendar is considered, the applicant would have served his five-year concurrent jail term within three years and six months, before the hearing might take place at the appeal court

The lawyer also told the court that during trial, Baba Ijesha was of good conduct and was never absent till judgement day.

He therefore, urged the court to consider the special circumstances and grant bail to the convict.

Responding, the state prosecuting counsel, Omowunmi Bajulaiye-Bishi, in her submission argued that the applicant failed to establish the special circumstances laid out in Lagos ACJL.

Bajulaiye-Bishi urged the judge to reject the applicant's request and allow him to serve his full jail term as prescribed by the court.

Justice Taiwo has adjourned ruling in the matter till September 19, 2022.