Yomi Fabiyi, Nollywood movie star, has claimed that the
confession of Baba Ijesha, the embattled Yoruba actor, was obtained under
duress.
Baba Ijesha has been in the news after he admitted to
assaulting a 14-year-old girl, who happens to be the foster daughter of
Comedian Princess.
Following his arrest, Ijesha has remained in police custody
where Hakeem Odumosu, the Lagos police commissioner, said he would be until the
Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) calls off its strike.
Moyosore Onigbanjo, the commissioner for justice, had also explained that the state’s directorate of public prosecutions (DPP) had recommended five charges against the embattled actor — which put him at risk of being sentenced to life imprisonment.
In a video from the protest, as shared via Fabiyi’s
Instagram page on Thursday, the movie star stated that the continued detention
of Baba Ijesha beyond 48 hours without recourse to the courts for a “fair
hearing is illegal”.
Fabiyi also claimed that the confession by the suspect was
obtained under duress, with the video where he admitted to committing the
assault showing that the embattled actor was “tortured into speaking”.
“Citizens must respect when the police are discharging their
lawful duties. Also, the people have rights. But what we observe is that, when
our colleague Baba Ijesha was brought here, so many evidences were thrown
online,” Fabiyi can be heard saying.
“We maintained that we would patiently allow the rule of law
take it’s course; allow the police do their job. The CP came out and said it’s
a bailable offence. But it’s getting to two weeks now and he’s not been
released.
“A minor was used as a bait. Police have not touched on
that. There is evidence of torture [on Baba Ijesha]. There is evidence of
obtaining confession under duress. They even threatened to kill the suspect.
The police have not acted on these.
“DPP advice is a legal advice. It’s not a court. This man is
still adjudged innocent until proven guilty.”
In the caption of the video, Fabiyi added: “The law is the
law. Nobody or organisation can rule or extend continued detention of any
suspect on bailable offence(s) in police custody beyond 48 hours except a
seating judge from a competent court.
“And now that the court is on strike. Releasing Baba Ijesha
on administrative bail to a reliable surety is the best approach. Even as we
speak, the rights of the gentle man is already been trampled upon.”
Odumosu had earlier described Baba Ijesha’s offence as a
bailable one unlike rape cases. However, some celebrities cried out on social
media, alleging a plot to release him.
Amid Fabiyi’s latest protest, Iyabo Ojo, an actress, had
filed a lawsuit against the film star alleging defamation. The duo had been at
loggerheads with contradictory views on the case of Baba Ijesha.
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