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Nigerians have taken to social media to react to the alleged plan of the Nigeria Police Force to release Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha,from detention.
The 48-year-old actor was apprehended for allegedly defiling a minor.
Since the news came to the fore, several Nollywood actors have expressed divergent views on the matter.
While some appeared sympathetic to Baba Ijesha’s plight, others are drumming support in the fight for justice for the defiled minor.
In a recent Instagram live video, Nollywood actor, Iyabo Ojo, lamented that some celebrities are trying to use their influence to secure the release of Baba Ijesha.
“If they release baba ijesha we are going to rearrest him… as long as I live, I will stand with this girl,” She vowed.
Also, popular comedienne, Princess in a video via her Instagram account, on Wednesday, gave a detailed account of how the victim who lives with her, was molested by the actor in her home, explaining that the victim only recently opened up to her about the abuse.
However, reports emerged that the actor would be released on Friday from the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, in Lagos without answering the charges against him.
It was gathered that the decision to release Baba Ijesha may be due to the ongoing strike by members of the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria(JUSUN), which has forced courts from sitting and the suspect could not be detained indefinitely without trial.
The Lagos State Police spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, had said preliminary findings revealed that the suspect allegedly began assaulting the victim since she was seven years old.
Reacting, Ojo, in a video posted on her Instagram account on Thursday, showed the actor being interrogated by Princess and some other people after he was nabbed while attempting to molest the child.
Speaking on the impending release of Baba Ijesha, Nigerians on social media expressed displeasure over the criminal justice system in the country, especially on rape issues.
Activist and Lawyer, Festus Ogun, explained: “On Baba Ijesha, we must be careful. While I am no supporter of rape and sexual molestation, I daresay social media mob justice cannot take the place of law.
”Baba Ijesha is entitled to fair trial and due process. We must do away with emotions and allow the course of justice to prevail.”
Lola Okunrin said: “Releasing Baba Ijesha is like putting his life in danger. Imagine walking in Oshodi and hearing a thunderous slap on his neck from the back. Lock him up.”
Ayoola Babalola argued: “While the emotional reaction of Iyabo Ojo is valid, Emotions and Legal logic do not mix.
“Indecent assault is a bailable offence and it would be against Baba Ijesha’s constitutional right to detain him indefinitely since courts are on strike. Illegality cannot cure illegality.”
Anastasia stated: “I am not surprised that Baba Ijesha is about to be released. This is why sexual assault is so prevalent in Nigeria.
“The rapists are still on the streets and the Intending ones can see that nothing will happen to them if they become rapists.”
Smart Olukayode queried: “I thought Baba Ijesha confessed to the crime and there’s a CCTV footage that showed him touching the child inappropriately. Unless the Nigeria Police is mad, on what ground are they releasing him?”