Appeal Court upholds Nollywood actor Baba Ijesha’s five-year jail term

The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal on Thursday upheld a previous ruling by a Lagos State High Court, confirming a five-year prison sentence for Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, also known as Baba Ijesha, for the sexual assault of a minor aged 14.

The Court of Appeal, in a judgment delivered by Justice Folashade Ojo, upheld the conviction of Baba Ijesha on two counts, specifically indecent touching and sexual assault of a 14-year-old minor.

Justices Abdullahi Bayero and Paul Bassi concurred with the lead judgment, aligning themselves with Justice Folashade Ojo’s decision.

Justice Folashade Ojo delivered a judgment setting aside Baba Ijesha’s conviction for indecent treatment and sexual assault, citing that the testimony of the prosecution’s witness (PW1), Damilola Adekoya, was hearsay, and therefore, unreliable.

However, Justice Ojo ruled that the testimony of Adekoya was a credible eyewitness account of the events that occurred on April 19, 2021 and that eyewitness testimony is a reliable and effective way to prove the commission of a crime.

Furthermore, the court noted that the appellant had voluntarily confessed to the crime committed on April 19, 2021, and failed to dispute or challenge Adekoya’s statement throughout the entire proceedings.

Justice Ojo observed that the appellant made two confessional statements, one at the Sabo Police Station in Lagos State on April 19, 2021, and another at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti on April 28, 2021, both of which were admitted as evidence in court.

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The court found that in both statements, the appellant confessed to indecently touching and molesting the minor (PW2) while she was alone with him in Adekoya’s (PW1) apartment.

Justice Ojo held, “The law is certain that there is no other evidence other than admission in the commission of an offence.

“From the totality of the evidence of PW2 it can be safely inferred that as at the date of the victim’s testimony, she was at best 15 years old and a child by virtue of Section 261 of the Child’s Rights Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The judge added, “I have carefully looked at the record and unable to agree with the appellant, that he was merely acting a script. The interaction between PW2 and the appellant on the 19th of April, 2021 was not a theatrical performance of make-believe but a personal encounter between the two of them.

“Moreover, PW2’s (victim) body language supported by her oral testimony and documentary evidence clearly shows that she attempted to distance herself from the appellant. The most inference to draw from from appellant’s action in searching the entire house immediately after PW1 left with her visitors and sexually assaulting PW2 is that he intended to commit the offence, and did commit the offence.

“It’s trite that factual findings of the trial court involving the credibility of witnesses are accorded almost respect. Trial courts have the advantage of first-time observation, which allows them to assess witnesses’ demeanour and manner of testifying during the trial.

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The judge concluded that the evidence presented by the prosecution before the trial court on the offence of indecent treatment of a child, and sexual assault committed by Baba Ijesha on April 19, 2021, is compelling and sufficient to justify the appellant’s conviction.

Appeal Court upholds Nollywood actor Baba Ijesha’s five-year jail term

NFVCB warns against release of skit, music video without official classification

The National Films and Videos Censors Board (NFVCB) has reiterated that releasing skits, films, or music videos without classification from the Board is an offence.

The NFVCB’s classification system assigns age ratings and content advisories to audiovisual content, aiding families in making informed viewing choices and protecting children from unsuitable material.

In May, the NFVCB announced its plans to extend its classification requirements to include skits and music videos

The Board led by its executive director Shaibu Husseini in a statement warned content creators against distributing unclassified material.

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The statement reads in part, “It is also an offence to distribute or exhibit any film or video content including skits and musical videos on any platform without recourse to the National Film and Video Censors Board for classification.”

He stated that the board is working closely with security agencies to identify and prosecute violators.

“We are collaborating with relevant security agencies to track the individuals and production companies involved, and will stop at nothing to make sure they face the full wrath of the law,” it read.

The NFVCB also condemned the promotion and distribution of same-sex content on social media, reminding filmmakers and content creators that it is illegal to publicly exhibit same-sex relationships in Nigeria.

NFVCB warns against release of skit, music video without official classification

Sad, Nigerian visual artist Zinno Orara dies at 60

Renowned Nigerian visual artist Zinno Orara has passed away at the age of 60.

Orara’s colleague, Gab Awusa, disclosed this on his Facebook page on Wednesday.

Awusa wrote, “My friend, my brother has gone home to be with the Lord….Rest in peace Zinno Orara.”

Also, Biodun Omolayo, founder of Omotayo Art Gallery, took to his Facebook page to mourn the deceased, saying, “WE LOST A GEM—ZINO Zinno Orara, A Graduate with distinction! A brilliant visual artist! A Philosopher! A Painter of Philosophy!

“A gentleman per excellence! One of the cleanest Artists in Nigeria! A lover of family! A gentle mentor to children & teenagers!

“Zinno Orara thank you for adding colours to the lives of others even when you were going through your own silent pains!

“Young at Art Creative Workshop appreciates you, especially for coming to groom them on our 20th anniversary last year!

“Who would have imagined that your DIALOGUE at the National Museum, Lagos, this year was going to be your last major outing!

“Hmmm, life is so ephemeral! Zino, we love you but the Lord loves you more! Good night, finally, dear brilliant fine artist and friend! May the Lord rest your soul and grant your family the strength to bear your exit!.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Zinno Orara was born in 1964 in Benin, Edo State.

He graduated from the School of Art and Design, Auchi Polytechnic in 1988 and had been a full-time studio artist since then.

Orara had his first independent exhibition, Metamorphosis, at Didi Museum in 1991. Since then, he has had 13 independent exhibitions and over 20 collaborations.

His works are exhibited all over Nigeria and overseas, including South Africa, Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Spain, and United States of America. (NAN)