Lagos Police Commissioner Tells Protesters Baba Ijesha Will Remain In Custody Till Striking Court Workers Resume
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu has given an update regarding the continued detention of Yoruba actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka better known Baba Ijesha over alleged sexual assault.
He stated that the comic actor will be kept in custody till Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) calls off its nationwide strike and courts resume so that he could be arraigned.
Odumosu expressed this in reaction to Wednesday’s protest by Omiyinka’s colleague, Yomi Fabiyi, and others, who demanded his release in front of State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department in Panti, Yaba.
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.
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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.
When we concluded our investigation, we forwarded our report to the ministry for legal advice. The ministry advised us through the Office of the Public Defender. The legal advice was that there was a prima facie case established against him and some sections of the law were quoted in the advice. So, the advice was that he should still remain in our custody and to be charged for that.
He added that 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.
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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.
It was our hope that they would work on Wednesday, but coincidentally, Wednesday and Thursday are public holidays. But if the courts continue to remain shut, the Ministry of Justice may further review the report. But right now, we are relying on the advice of the ministry.
Omiyinka has been in detention since he was arrested for alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl, the foster daughter of 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.
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He also condemned re-traumatising the victim in a bid to gather evidence, explaining that such a measure would have negative implications on society.
