The Lagos State Police Command has revealed reason why embattled actor, Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, is still in detention despite being granted bail by a magistrate.
The State Police Command spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, said Baba Ijesha is still in police detention because he has not perfected his bail conditions.
Adejobi made this known in a text message sent to The PUNCH in response to an allegation that police were demanding money to get Baba Ijesha released.
Baba Ijesha is being detained by the police for alleged sexual assault and defiling of the 14-year-old foster daughter of comedienne, Princess.
WITHIN NIGERIA recalls that the actor was granted bail by a magistrate on Monday but one of Baba Ijesha’s counsels, Adesina Ogunlana, alleged police of frustrating his release.
Ogunlana claimed that Baba Ijesha already has the required sureties, alleging that police monetised Baba Ijesha’s bail.
“Later, When my team got to the police officers’ office, issues about money came up. They said the bail bond needs to be paid and they had to check Baba Ijesha’s phone to know the amount he has. The police said money has to be paid.
“Meanwhile, the sureties were ready and around. But they insisted that bail has to be paid. I told them this is a bail bond, not physical payment. I challenged the police to refute this,” he told The PUNCH in an interview.
Reacting, Adejobi described the lawyer’s claim as mischievous.
The police spokesperson said, “We didn’t demand any money. Ijesha has not met his bail conditions, whenever he meets the conditions, he will be released. So, whoever alleges that the police keep him because we want money from him is a liar and being mischievous.”