James Olanrewaju a.k.a. Baba Ijesha, the Nollywood actor arrested for molesting a 14-year-old girl, faces a jail term ranging between three and 14 years, if convicted.
This is based on a list of possible charges that could be brought against him, as released by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Team.
Baba Ijesha has been in Police custody over the allegation.
The agency said via tweets that it is taking an active part in the matter and had also contacted the complainant.
This development comes as the Nollywood actor has been seen in viral video, in which he is seen begging for forgiveness for the act, admitting that what he did was wrong.
In the video, a female voice is heard, persistently asking him questions. Why did you do it? You did it to her when she was seven years. You did it again when she is 14. Why?
The actor is seen seated on a cushion in what appears to be a living room. There are two other men in the room, whose distinct voices can also be heard, contributing to the interrogation.
“We confirm that the duplicate case file has been forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice. For the avoidance of doubt, the following allegations are being considered:
“(1) Sexual Assault by Penetration- S 261 of the Criminal law of Lagos State, 2015 punishable by Life imprisonment, (2) Attempted Sexual Assault by Penetration-S262 of the Criminal law, punishable by 14 years’ imprisonment
“(3) Sexual Assault- S263 of the Criminal Law, punishable by 3 years’ imprisonment. (4) Indecent treatment of a child- S135 of the Criminal Law punishable by 7 years’ imprisonment”
“We have absolute confidence in the criminal justice the system as well as social support structures in Lagos State in ensuring justice is served in this matter and, most importantly, the survivor receives the relevant support on her journey towards healing,” it said.
