The Lagos State Police Command says it has not released actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, alias Baba Ijesha, on bail because of legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).
Baba Ijesha, 48, was arrested in April for allegedly molesting a 14-year-old girl.
He has been in police custody since his arrest.
Speaking with journalists on Friday, Lagos police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the decision to hold on to Baba Ijesha is based on the criminal charges against him.
Mr. Adejobi said that the DPP, under the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, advised the police to detain Baba Ijesha pending when he would be charged to court because the case against him is sexual assault by penetration.
“Invariably sexual assault is more like defilement too, considering the age of the victim.
“So, Baba Ijesha is being kept with the police not within our own power, but because of the legal advice from the DPP pending when Baba Ijesha’s case will be charged to court.
“If the DPP had advised us to release Baba Ijesha, we would have released him,” the spokesperson said.
According to Adejobi, Baba Ijesha’s case was initially bailable, based on the statement that his offence was based on indecent assault which is a bailable offense.
“However, after the DPP investigated the case file, the police was advised not to release Baba Ijesha on bail pending when he will be charged to court.
“The DPP said that there are a number of cases Baba Ijesha will be charged for, particularly sexual assault by penetration, which is a serious offense,” he added.
Baba Ijesha’s alleged victim is a foster daughter of comedienne Damilola Adekoya, alias Princess.
Another actor Yomi Fabiyi has been leading a campaign for Baba Ijesha’s release.