By PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU

Lagos Police Commissioner Hakeem Odumosu has dismissed reports the Command plans to release popular actor James Omiyinka alias Baba Ijesha from custody.

He assured the suspect was still being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Panti pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Odumosu’s clarification came on the heels of protest at the SCID following a report the police planned to release the actor on Friday.

According to the police chief, the allegation against Omiyinka was sexual/ indecent assault which is bailable and not defilement.

He said he interviewed all parties to the case for about three hours where it was established the alleged defilement took place seven-years-ago but was not reported.

He said: “You don’t do trial on the pages of newspapers. There are two issues in Baba Ijesha’ case. One is the allegation that he defiled a girl seven-years-ago .The girl is now 14 years old. At that time no compliant or report was made to the police.

“Last week, a video went viral where he was arrested for having sexual assault. What is meant by indecent assault? When a man touches a woman where he is not supposed to without her authority or consent.

“Baba Ijesha admitted that he sexually assaulted the girl. The case of defilement that happened seven years ago is still under thorough investigations and will require some scientific work.

“Sexual assault is a bailable offence. It is not like rape. No allegation of rape was made against him. Throughout yesterday, they were all with me, including the girl that was assaulted and Baba Ijesha’ himself. I listened to them, one after the other.

“We have compiled the case file and we have sent it to the office of DPP and the office of the Attorney General of Lagos State for legal advice.

“Once that comes out, action will be taken based on legal advice. Till then, Baba Ijesha’ is still in our custody. The case is bailable but we have not considered him for bail.” (The Nation)