Nigerians have taken to the social media platforms to express their grievances following emerging reports that the embattled Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju Omiyinka, better known as Baba Ijesha is likely to be released from police custody due to the ongoing strike by members of the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) which has made it impossible for the court to sit for his trial.
According to reports, a top police officer in Lagos State disclosed to newsmen that a directive has been issued to release him within the next 24 hours as the suspect could not be detained indefinitely without trial.
The source reportedly said: “There was no case of defilement, people are just talking out of sentiment. They are not talking from the point of law. We interviewed all parties involved in the case for three hours on Wednesday, April 28.
“The mother complained that her child was at the age of seven when she was defiled and the child pointed at Baba Ijesha. But the case was not reported until she was 14 years and under the law, the case has become statute-barred.
“Regarding this new case, the CCTV footage has been assessed and nowhere was it captured that Baba Ijesha defiled her. The footage only showed him touching the victim’s body but it never showed him having any sexual intercourse with the girl.
“The girl also confirmed the same thing. So, in law, it is a case of indecent assault and not sexual harassment, and it is open to bail. So, can we continue to keep him when the offence is subject to bail and when there is no court sitting?
“That is against his fundamental human rights and the police do not work on sentiments. Directives have been given out for his release on bail.”
Following the report, many Nigerians have expressed their displeasure on social media, kicking against plans to release the embattled actor.
Read Twitter reactions:
“Wow, so they released Baba ijesha because there was not enough evidence to keep him there until judiciary whatever comes back from strike! But they can arrest minors on the street without any evidence and treat them like shii cos they don’t have people to speak up for them! 🤡@dammiedammie35
“The Police are allegedly releasing Baba Ijesha cos “courts are on strike & you can’t detain him indefinitely without trial”😬
“If true, why don’t they extend that favour to every detained inmate awaiting trial for similar offenses?
“Ah I forgot, they’re poor & unknown.”@UgwunnaEjikem
“Releasing Baba Ijesha is like putting his life in Danger. Imagine walking in Oshodi and hearing a thunderous slap on his neck from the back. Lock him up.@lollypeezle
