Baba Ijesha To Remain In Police Custody Until JUSUN Resumes - Police

 

Protesters led by Yomi Fabiyi have been told by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu that Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju Omiyinka, aka Baba Ijesha is not going to be released anytime from now.

 

According to Odumosu, the actor will remain in police custody until the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria calls off its nationwide strike, so that he can be arraigned.

 

He said this is as a result of advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions in the state Ministry of Justice.

 

Odumosu stated these in reaction to Wednesday’s protest by Omiyinka’s colleague, Yomi Fabiyi, and others, who demonstrated at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Panti, Yaba, to demand his release on bail.

 

He said based on the legal advice, a prima facie case had been established against Omiyinka, adding that the thespian’s continued detention was based on the DPP’s advice.

 

Odumosu said, “When they got the SCIID today (Wednesday), they were advised by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the SCIID, and he told them that we have done our work and sought legal advice from the Ministry of Justice and the advice was that we should still keep him in our custody.

 

Odumosu said the ministry might review its position concerning Omiyinka’s detention if the JUSUN strike continues indefinitely, adding that a new arrangement had been made in the state for courts to sit three times a week.

 

The CP said, “Regarding the JUSUN strike, they agreed to be working for three days and striking for two days. They will go on strike on Monday and Tuesday, while the courts will sit on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

 

Omiyinka has been in detention since he was arrested for alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl, who is in the care of a comedienne, Adekola Adekoya, aka Princess.

 

During the demonstration on Wednesday, the protesters demanded that Omiyinka should be released on bail.

 

Fabiyi, who led the demonstration, said he was not in support of the allegations levelled against Omiyinka, but noted that what he was clamouring for was for his fundamental human rights to be respected.

 

He also condemned re-traumatising the victim in a bid to gather evidence, explaining that such a measure would have negative implications on society.

 

Addressing the protesters, DCP Adegoke Fayoade, who is in charge of the SCIID, stated that the ongoing strike by judiciary workers had impeded Baba Ijesha’s arraignment.

 

“Baba Ijesha’s case, as we are aware, has gone to the DPP. And the DPP has advised us on what to do. What we are waiting for is for the courts to resume; as soon as the courts resume, we will arraign him,” he said.