DSVRT sends Baba Ijesha child defilement case to DPP

Etim Effiong

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Team, DSVRT, has confirmed that the case file for alleged child defilement against Baba Ijesha has been sent to the Directorate of Public Prosecution, DPP for legal advice.

The team also informed the public that it is in touch with the complainant with a view to providing the necessary support.

It was learnt that four major charges of sexual assault are likely to be pressed against Baba Ijesha, one of which attracts life imprisonment, the charge of sexual assault by penetration contrary to Section 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The second charge which is attempted sexual assault by penetration – Section 262 of the Criminal Law is punishable by 14 years imprisonment.

The third one is sexual assault – Section 263 of the Criminal Law, punishable by three years imprisonment.

While the third charge is indecent treatment of a child – Section 135 of the Criminal Law punishable by seven years imprisonment.

A statement signed by the DSVRT reaffirmed the confidence in the criminal justice system AND social support structures in Lagos State in ensuring that justice is served in the matter.

It added that the survivor will receive the relevant support on her journey towards healing.

The agency assures that the Lagos State Government’s position of zero tolerance to all forms of sexual and gender-based violence and firm commitment in ensuring justice for survivors, is uncompromising.

The statement read: “This is to inform members of the public that the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Team is actively following up on the Baba Ijesha’s case, we are also in direct contact with the complainant with a view to providing the necessary support.

“We confirm that the duplicate case file has been forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice. For avoidance of doubt, the following allegations are being considered.

Sexual Assault by Penetration- S 261 of the Criminal law of Lagos State, 2015 punishable by Life imprisonment; Attempted Sexual Assault by Penetration-S262 of the Criminal law, punishable by 14 years imprisonment; Sexual Assault- S263 of the Criminal Law, punishable by three years imprisonment, and Indecent treatment of a child- S135 of the Criminal Law punishable by seven years imprisonment.

“We have absolute confidence in the criminal justice system, as well as social support structures in Lagos State in ensuring justice is served in this matter and most importantly, the survivor receives the relevant support on her journey towards healing.”