Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of an Ikeja Special Offences Court on Thursday ruled that actor Olanrewaju James aka Baba Ijesha, convicted for sexual assault of a minor, took his acting too far.
Baba Ijesha had claimed he was acting a movie script when CCTV cameras caught him caressing the child.
The judge sentenced him to five years’ imprisonment on count two, three years on count three, five years on count four and three years on count five of the six-count charge he faced.
She, however, said that the sentencing, which must take effect from July 14, should run concurrently.
“The defendant took his acting too far. Children are frequently preyed on because of their inability to defend themselves,” Justice Taiwo said.
“However, the court is not distracted. The defendant abused the position of friendship.
“This case brings to the limelight various sexual assault cases in the society despite the efforts of government and non-governmental organisations to sensitise the public on incessant cases of sexual assault.
“This is very sad. The behaviour of the defendant is appalling, as this shows the length people can go in exhibiting the animalistic urge in them.”
The judge remarked that the case attracted frivolous comments on social media because of the personality of the actor.
Baba Ijesha broke down in tears after the judge pronounced the judgment.
He was surrounded by his colleagues in the movie industry.