Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of a Domestic Sexual and Special Offences Court, sitting in Ikeja, has fixed 17 February 2022, for the Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James, popularly called Baba Ijesha, to open defence in his ongoing trial over allegations of defilement.
Justice Taiwo, fixed the date following the submission by the defendant counsel, Mr O. Alo, who prayed the court for a short adjournment date as learned silk Mr Dada Awosika (SAN) is indisposed.
The defendant is facing a six-count charge bordering on the indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by penetration. He had pleaded not guilty to all the count charges when he was arraigned on 24th June 2021.
But when the case was called today (Wednesday), Alo told the court that the procedure was scheduled for adoption of address on no-case submission but the defence has decided not to enter defence.
He said: “We did not file a no-case submission again. Given the development, we pray the court to give us a date. Both senior counsel representing the defendant is not in court. Although, Babatunde Ogala had informed Mr Awosika that he will not be in court today.
“Mr Awosika is indisposed, he didn’t know that he would not be able to make it to court. We apologise, my Lord,” he said.
The prosecution counsel, Dr Jide Martins, in his response, prayed against the adjournment. He said the lawyer, Mr Alo should instead continue with the case.
Justice Taiwo however granted the defendant counsel request for a short date, pointing out that if the senior lawyers are not in court on the next date, the lawyer in court will go on with the case. She said the lawyers have always attended proceedings. She subsequently adjourned till 17th and 18th February 2022. for defence.
It will be recalled that the Lagos State government closed its case on the last proceeding after the cross-examination of the sixth prosecution witness by the defence.
Following the prosecution statement, the defence counsel, Mr Kayode Olabiran, announced that the defence intended to file a no-case submission.
Justice Taiwo said: “We will take the no-case submission in the New Year; the court is rounding off for the year.
The prosecution had called six witnesses who testified against the defendant. They include actress and comedienne, Ms Damilola Adekoya, alias Princess; the 14-year-old victim (name withheld), a child expert and Mrs Olabisi Ajayi-Kayode.
Others include a medical doctor, Dr Aniekan Makanjuola, the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), ASP Wahab Kareem and Oman.
