Lagos State Government has given an insight into how it will handle the defilement case against popular actor, Leanre James Omiyinka, aka Baba Ijesa.
The case, in which he is alleged to have defiled a 14-year-old girl is spinning a lot of emotions, with many insisting that he must be vigorously dealt with.
There are others who however said he had not committed the act while others said he deserved leniency since he had apologised.
But in a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Sanwo-Olu, Gboyega Akosile, the government said it would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice was done.
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team has thus waded into the matter.
The statement read, “This is to inform members of the public that the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Team is actively following up on the Baba ljesha’s case, we are also in direct contact with the complainant with a view to providing the necessary support.
“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:
“Sexual Assault by Penetration- S 261 of the Criminal law of Lagos State, 2015 punishable by Life imprisonment
“Attempted Sexual Assault by Penetration-S262 of the Criminal law, punishable by 14 years imprisonment
“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 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.
“We, therefore, use this medium to reiterate Lagos State Government’s position of zero tolerance to all forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and our firm commitment to ensuring justice for survivors.”
