An Ikeja Special Offences Court on Thursday sentenced the embattled Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James, alias Baba Ijesha, to sixteen years imprisonment for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl.
Delivering judgment, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo, held that the prosecution had successfully proven the charge of sexual assault of a minor and indecent treatment of a minor against the convict.
It is the climax of a trial that has been characterised by a lot of drama, especially outside the court, based on the celebrity status of the convict.
The case started when Lagos-based comedienne, Princess, accused Baba Ijesha of defiling the girl, who is her foster daughter.
The comedians had been friends before the offence was committed.
The case had caused an uproar among entertainers, with some supporting Princess, while others backed Baba Ijesha.
Some had also pleaded with her, wanting her to withdraw the case.
Apart from the fact that she too was determined to see it through, however, the Lagos State Government had also taken over the matter.
