Convicted Nollywood actor, James Olanrewaju, aka Baba Ijesha‘s bail application pending appeal has been refused at an Ikeja Special Offences Court.
The bail application was refused on Wednesday, 21st September 2022, by the preceding Judge, Oluwatoyin Taiwo, on grounds that he did not meet exceptional circumstances and criteria to warrant the bail.
Baba Ijesha’s counsel, Mr. Gabriel Olabiran, had on 10th August, informed the court that a notice for bail pending appeal had been submitted.
Olabiran argued that the application admitted the applicant to bail, either unconditionally or upon reasonable conditions.
He said the application was brought before the court due to difficulty in getting a date at the Court of Appeal.
The state prosecutor, Mr Yusuf Sule, in a counter affidavit dated 18th August, argued that the defence failed in its address to establish the special circumstances which might grant the convict bail.
The requirements of the applicant must show special and exceptional circumstances Which was not provided by him. The jail term given to him is five years, which is to run concurrently.
According to reports, the court proceedings indicated that there was no evidence that an appeal had been entered and there is no indication before the court that the court will not treat the case expeditiously.
It was in this view, that the court determined that the applicant has failed to show special circumstances to warrant him bail because he is facing serious criminal charges.
Judge Oluwatoyin Taiwo, therefore declined the application of the applicant pending an appeal.
The embattled actor is seeking a bail for an appeal for the five years conviction of sexually assaulting a 14-year- old girl.
Story: Hilda Katu
Media: Google