Forensic report presented in court on Tuesday detailed how Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James (Baba Ijesha) allegedly molested a minor.
Gatekeepers News reports that child forensic interview expert, Anike Ajayi-Kayode testified before an Ikeja Special Offences Court as the third prosecution witness.
Ajayi-Kayode, who said she had participated in over 25 child forensic interviews, is the Executive Director of the Cece Yara Foundation, a non-governmental organisation founded to prevent child sexual abuse and provide emergency intervention for children.
According to Ajayi-Kayode, the alleged victim was relaxed, cooperative and could recall events when she was being interviewed.
She said, “The clinal presentation of child sexual abuse was quite evident. The perpetrator engaged the child in sexual activity when she was seven years old, on two occasions.
“On the 19th of April 2021, he sexually harassed her, touching her body. He told her, ‘I touched you some years back, you are so grown, so developed. Do you have a boyfriend? We have some unfinished business.
“These are the clinical presentations of child sexual abuse.
“These are the dynamics of child sexual abuse and the modus operandi of perpetrators – inculcation of secrecy, intimidation, threat or coercion.”
She noted that child sexual abuse involved only the victim and the perpetrator, explaining that because of his or her vulnerability, a child might not be able to comprehend the magnitude of the offence.
The expert said she drafted a forensic interview report after the interview.
Gatekeepers News reports that the prosecution tendered a copy of the report marked as Exhibit G, to the court as evidence.
The witness also said that the forensic interview was digitally recorded.
The prosecution also submitted flash drives containing the digital forensic interview of the minor. It was marked Exhibits H and H1.
“My conclusion is that she narrated the whole truth, she was tenacious, she was bold and relaxed,” the expert said.
At the commencement of Tuesday’s proceedings, the defence had sought an adjournment due to the absence of Lead counsel Babatunde Ogala (SAN) and Dada Awosika (SAN).
N.A. Adeyemi, a member of the defence team, informed the court that Ogala, in a letter dated Sept. 27, had asked for an adjournment of proceedings because he would be unavoidably absent.
The request for an adjournment was however opposed as Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo ordered that the trial should proceed with the third prosecution witness (Ajayi-Kayode) giving evidence.
Baba Ijesha faces a six-count charge bordering on the indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by penetration.
The alleged offences contravene Sections 135, 259, 262, 263 and 262 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The judge adjourned the case to Oct. 20 for cross-examination of the witness.
Present in court during Tuesday’s proceedings include; Comedienne Damilola Adekoya (Princess) who is the foster mother of the minor; and Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo.
