The detention of Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju Omiyinka, aka Baba Ijesha, is based on advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice.
This was disclosed on Wednesday by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, who also announced that the actor would be held till the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria called off its nationwide strike.
The commissioner was speaking in reaction to the demonstration by Omiyinka’s colleague, Yomi Fabiyi, and others at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Panti, Yaba, on Wednesday to demand his release on bail.
The commissioner said, “When they got the SCIID today (Wednesday), they were advised by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the SCIID, and he told them that we have done our work and sought legal advice from the Ministry of Justice and the advice was that we should still keep him in our custody.
“When we concluded our investigation, we forwarded our report to the ministry for legal advice. The ministry advised us through the Office of the Public Defender. The legal advice was that there was a prima facie case established against him and some sections of the law were quoted in the advice. So, the advice was that he should still remain in our custody and to be charged for that.”
Odumosu said the ministry might review its position concerning Omiyinka’s detention if the JUSUN strike continues indefinitely, adding that a new arrangement had been made in the state for courts to sit three times a week.
The CP said, “Regarding the JUSUN strike, they agreed to be working for three days and striking for two days. They will go on strike on Monday and Tuesday, while the courts will sit on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
“It was our hope that they would work on Wednesday, but coincidentally, Wednesday and Thursday are public holidays. But if the courts continue to remain shut, the Ministry of Justice may further review the report. But right now, we are relying on the advice of the ministry.”
Yomi Fabiyi and a handful of others protested the continued detention of the embattled Baba Ijesa on Wednesday, demanding for his release on bail.
The demonstration attracted the attention of DCP Adegoke Fayoade, who is in charge of SCIID.
He told the protesters that the ongoing strike by judiciary workers had impeded Baba Ijesha’s arraignment.
“Baba Ijesha’s case, as we are aware, has gone to the DPP. And the DPP has advised us on what to do. What we are waiting for is for the courts to resume; as soon as the courts resume, we will arraign him,” he said.
