Following the sentencing of Nollywood actor and comedian, Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha to 16 years of imprisonment over sexual assault by an Ikeja Special Offences Court, there have been a lot of reactions.
After being captured on camera in an inappropriate relationship with a minor, Baba Ijesha was taken into custody and appeared before the Ikeja Domestic Violence and Sexual Offenses Court last year.
The actor was found guilty on six counts of child defilement, including sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration, and indecent treatment of a child, and was sentenced on Thursday.
The defendant was found guilty on two of the six counts brought against him by Justice Taiwo Oluwatoyin, and he gave him a 16-year prison term that will run consecutively.
He said, “Fear trial, fear hearing is part of human rights and in this case you can understand that Lagos State Government allowed that the victim, the defendant and the public have their rights protected that’s what we’ve been saying.”
According to Fabiyi, the argument of the defendant is that he is not guilty.
He said, “We need to understand that he has the opportunity to appeal. It’s still within his statutory right, so the fact that he’s been found guilty of some charges – some he’s not guilty. That is what we call a proper democratic society.”
Further, according to Fabiyi, the convicted offender should be permitted to utilize his complete fundamental right, including the right to appeal the court’s decision if required.
“Of course, that is what I stand for and there is no point denying the man at this stage because we are colleagues,” he said.
“Others can choose to neglect him, I will not and what I am fighting for is the right of everybody involved; the victim, the defendant and the public. And the only way all that can be established is the court of law and that is it.
“A lot of people are even saying it’s dragging too long; they will throw the case away. Now they’ve seen that there’s no bias. But, of course they should not forget that the person we accused has been convicted. He still has ample opportunity to prove his innocence,” he added.
Recall how Fabiyi had faced criticism in 2021 as a result of his contentious film, “Oko Iyabo.” Public indignation about the film was generated.
The actor was called out for being callous and making fun of the suffering of the young person and those connected to the case.
Do you think Yomi Fabiyi was supporting Baba Ijesha and is guilty as well?
Watch the Ladies of ‘Your View’ reactions to the story below!