Entertainment
Baba Ijesha Marks One Year In Prison, 15 More To Go
A popular and embattled actor, Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, who was sentenced to 16 years imprisonment for child defilement, has spent one year of his prison term at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos State.
He was convicted of the crime on July 14, 2022, and was sentenced to 16 years imprisonment on four of the six-count charge—indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration, and sexual assault by penetration— preferred against him.
Recall that James was arrested on April 22, 2021, and first appeared before Magistrate P.E. Nwaka of the Yaba Magistrate Court in Yaba, Lagos, on July 16, 2021.
The actor was later arraigned at the Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja, before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo, who eventually delivered the judgment. While reading her judgment, she said,
“I hereby find the defendant guilty of count two to five, and he is discharged of counts one and six. The defendant is here by sentenced to five years imprisonment for count two, three years for count three, five years for count four, and three years for count five.”
The case generated a lot of attention and controversies. It also ‘divided’ the entertainment industry as some celebs supported comedian, Princess Adekoya, whose ward was the one defiled; while some empathised with Baba Ijesha.
Some of the people who were sympathetic to Baba Ijesha’s plight were Yomi Fabiyi, Bukky Black, and Lege Miami. On his part, Fabiyi maintained that the actor was ‘ambushed’ into the crime.
On the other hand, actresses, such as Iyabo Ojo Nkechi Blessing, vehemently supported Princess.
In an interview with our correspondent during the week, Fabiyi said, “First, it is difficult for me to deny knowing him. My non-governmental organisation decided to hear his side, do our own little investigation, and what we found out required us to give him a voice, as it looked like he was ‘ambushed into that misfortune’.
“There were too many questions begging for answers, as could be seen at the end of the trial, hence the appeal.”
Maintaining that he had been in constant communication with the beleaguered actor since he was committed to prison, Fabiyi said, “My first visit started from the second day he was sentenced to prison. I also ensure that I regular communicate with him in prison.”
He added, “I am not in shoes, but I am trying my best to keep his spirits high and get him not to think of suicide or any vendetta. When his father died (on May 13, 2023), it was a difficult moment.
“However, he is still bothered that the age of the girl was not proven with a birth certificate. The absence of some factors before a guilty verdict was passed gives him serious mental agony. He feels he has been unjustly punished.”
Most times during the trial, when Baba Ijesha appeared in court, he usually looked morose and dejected. On a particular day, he was seen clutching a Christian book titled, ‘How to Thrive in Perilous Times: Living Beyond the World System,’ written by Happy Caldwell.
Entertainment
Simi Welcomes Second Child With Adekunle Gold
Popular Nigerian music star, Simisola Bolatito Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has welcomed her second child with her husband, singer Adekunle Kosoko, widely known as Adekunle Gold.
She shared the news on Instagram on Wednesday evening.
In her post, Simi revealed that the baby was born on March 10, 2026.
She posted maternity photos and addressed earlier rumours that she had given birth to twins in January, making it clear that this is her second child.
Simi referred to herself as “mommy of two,” while Adekunle Gold responded in the comments, calling himself “Daddy of two.”
She wrote, “+1. 3.10.26. God bless my little family. Mommyof2.”
The couple did not disclose the baby’s name or gender.
Entertainment
Bill Cosby Ordered To Pay $19m Over Sex Abuse Case
A woman who said she was drugged and sexually assaulted by veteran US entertainer Bill Cosby was awarded more than $19 million on Monday after a civil hearing in California.
Donna Motsinger said she was working as a waitress more than 50 years ago when the performer began to target her.
In the civil case decided in Santa Monica, the suit stated that the comedian had initially come into the restaurant where the now-84-year-old Motsinger worked.
According to court filings, one day, when he picked her up in his limousine, Cosby gave her a glass of wine and what she thought was aspirin.
She began slipping in and out of consciousness, and the next thing she knew, she was waking up at home, wearing only her underwear.
“She knew she had been drugged and raped by Bill Cosby,” the suit said.
Attorneys said Cosby, 88, did not remember any sexual contact with Motsinger, but that any that had occurred had been consensual.
The jury took three days to deliver its verdict, ordering Cosby to pay $19.3 million, a figure that could increase if they add punitive damages.
The case was heard in the same courthouse where a 2022 jury ordered Cosby to pay $500,000 in damages to Judy Huth after finding that he had molested her in 1975 when she was just 16 years old.
The man formerly known as “America’s Dad” was jailed in Pennsylvania for drugging and molesting a woman in a separate criminal case in 2018, but was freed in 2021 when his conviction was overturned on a technicality.
Cosby was a towering figure in late 20th-century American popular culture, including for his starring role in “The Cosby Show,” which ran from 1984 to 1992.
Dozens of women have accused Cosby of being a calculating, serial predator who plied victims with sedatives and alcohol before assaulting them over four decades.
AFP
Entertainment
Funke Akindele’s Record-Breaking “Behind The Scenes” Hits Netflix On April 3
Funke Akindele’s blockbuster film, which broke box office records in West Africa, will premiere on Netflix on April 3.
This follows a successful theatrical run that grossed over N2.7 billion, making it the highest-grossing Nollywood film of all time.
The film’s streaming debut marks Akindele’s return to Netflix since “Omo Ghetto: The Saga”, highlighting her consistent cinema-first approach and record-breaking annual December releases.
“Behind The Scenes” features an ensemble cast, including Scarlet Gomez, Uzor Arukwe, and Tobi Bakre, and explores themes of generosity, family, and personal responsibility.
Produced by Akindele and Wendy Uwadiae Imasuen, the film’s success extends beyond Nigeria, with notable performances in the UK, Ireland, North America, and Canada.
It became the first Nollywood film to cross the N2 billion mark and achieved N512 million within its first 12 days.
The film’s distributor, Filmone, announced its Netflix premiere, stating, “From shattering box office records to streaming in YOUR HOME and on the go! The record-breaking title, Behind The Scenes, is coming to you on NETFLIX.
“After shattering records with over 2.7 billion at the Box Office, Behind The Scenes will be available for streaming from April 3rd. Watch Behind The Scenes on Netflix from April 3rd”.
-
News1 day agoWhen 8 million Customers Trust You, Safety Cannot Be an Afterthought
-
News24 hours agoUnited Nigeria Airlines Staff Suspended After Viral Amputee Abuse Video
-
News2 days agoEl-Rufai Back In Detention After Temporary Compassionate Release
-
News2 days ago2027: Kwankwaso’s Exit Marks End Of NNPP – Kwankwasiyya Movement
-
News1 day agoJUST IN: FG Approves Friday 3, Monday 6, as Easter Public Holidays
-
News1 day agoPay Your Fare: AIG Cracks Down On Officers Boarding For Free
-
News2 days agoLagos CP Withdraws Taskforce From Traffic Duties
-
News1 day agoINEC Removes David Mark, Aregbesola From ADC Leadership Portal
