Entertainment

Baba Ijesha: CCTV video was tampered with – Defense witness tells court

Published

5 years ago

February 17, 2022

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The first defence witness in the trial of embattled Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James alias Baba Ijesha, charged with defilement, on Thursday, claimed that portions of the Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage on the allegation, were edited.

The witness, Mr Lawrence Ayeni, also testified before an Ikeja Special Offences Court that the actor and the minor he allegedly defiled were both acting out a script in the footage.

Ayeni, a graduate of Mechanical Engineering, said that he was experienced in video production and CCTV installation and maintenance.

Led in evidence by co-lead defence counsel, Mr Babatunde Ogala (SAN), the witness told the court that one of the CCTV recordings of the alleged encounter had been tampered with at the point of editing.

During his testimony, four videos were played on a projector in the courtroom.

One of the videos showed the defendant and the 14-year-old in the home of her foster mother, comedienne Damilola Adekoya alias Princess.

The CCTV footage was recorded in April 2021, shortly before the defendant’s arrest.

In the footage, the defendant and the minor were sitting on a couch for a while, then they walked out of view.

When they returned, the defendant offered her a cup to drink from, kissed her hand and drew her close to him. They were speaking but their voices could not be heard.

The witness said: “The CCTV has no audio because it was a fibre camera that was used.

“The voices you heard are of the persons who recorded the encounter, directing the script, and later edited the recording.

“Baba Ijesha is acting what the director asked him to. The girl often looks at the camera so she was acting out what she was told to.

“At the point of copying the content into a computer, errors could have been inputted or it got tampered with.”

The other videos showed the defendant pleading for forgiveness from Princess when she accosted him.

Another footage showed his arrest.

The final footage showed his statement being taken while he was in police custody.

Under cross-examination by the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins, the witness admitted that CCTV footage could not be manipulated at the time of recording.

Ayeni submitted that speculations of tampering with the recording or using various devices to record could not change the contents or what was said in the footage.

The defendant is facing a six-count charge bordering on indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by penetration.

Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo adjourned proceedings until March 4 for continuation of defence.

Entertainment

BREAKING: Veteran actor Olu Jacobs dies at 84

Published

5 days ago

September 16, 2026

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Veteran actor, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.

Jacobs’ passing was disclosed by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in a post on Instagram on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, saying the family was grateful for his life and asking the public to respect their privacy.

“It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought, that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle. The Lion of Lufodo.

Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs (MFR)

11/07/1942-16/09/2026

We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our families privacy at this time.”

Olu Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most prominent veteran actors, with a career spanning theatre, television and film.

He was also a film executive and a major figure in the development of Nigeria’s contemporary film industry.

Olu Jacobs was widely recognised for his commanding performances and roles across Nigerian and international productions, earning him a lasting place in the country’s entertainment history.

Entertainment

Nollywood actress Tope Osoba laid to rest in Iperu Remo

Published

1 week ago

September 10, 2026

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The remains of late Nollywood actress, Tope Osoba, were laid to rest on Thursday in her hometown of Iperu Remo, Ogun State, weeks after her death.

The burial service was held at Akesan Club, Iperu Remo, after her body left the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu.

The remains were were later interred at the Iperu Remo Cemetery.

Colleagues, friends and family, all dressed in white, gathered to pay their last respects to the actress.

Osoba’s death was announced on August 5, months after she underwent breast cancer surgery.

Following her passing, the family initially set August 13, 2026, for the burial, following a candlelight procession and an artistes’ tribute night in her honour on August 11.

The burial was postponed to allow further arrangements and the resolution of outstanding matters.

Prominent Nollywood figures present at the funeral included Foluke Daramola, Kunle Afod and Joke Jigan.

Osoba was known for her roles in Yoruba movies.

Her passing drew tributes from colleagues, who described her as dedicated and passionate about the industry.

Entertainment

Another Nollywood actress, Atinuke Kareem, dies after battling cancer

Published

3 weeks ago

September 1, 2026

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The sad mood among members of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), has continued to linger with the announcement of the death of Nollywood actress, Atinuke Kareem, who passed away after battling breast cancer.

The news of her passing was officially announced on Tuesday in a statement by her colleague and the Executive Governor of TAMPAN Ogun State, Owolabi Ajasa.

The statement was accompanied by a video clip of Kareem seeking support and prayers during her battle with breast cancer, highlighting the physical toll of the illness on her.

“I’m a breast cancer patient. It has been going on for a while. My family has spent a lot of money; I’ve come to seek help. The association I belong to, TAMPAN, has tried too, but it’s not enough,” Kareem said in the video.

“Don’t allow me to die this way; I have two young children. Nigerians, please help me with any amount you can use to help.”

In the release signed by the state Public Relations Officer, Femi Solaja, on behalf of Ajasa, the association expressed deep appreciation to colleagues, fans, and well-wishers who provided financial and moral support during the actress’s medical battle.

“We sincerely appreciate everyone who contributed financially, offered prayers, encouragement, and support towards the treatment of our dear colleague, Atinuke Remilekun Kareem,” the statement read.

“Your kindness and sacrifice during her difficult moment meant so much to her family and all of us. We are deeply grateful.”

Tampan further expressed sorrow over her demise, describing it as an irrecoverable loss that members must accept as the will of God.

“Sadly, despite all our efforts and prayers, Atinuke has passed on and answered the final call.

“We cannot question the Almighty God. We can only submit to His will and pray that He grants her eternal rest and gives her family, colleagues, and loved ones the strength to bear this painful loss. Rest in peace, Atinuke Remilekun Kareem,” the statement concluded.

The actress’ death comes barely over a week after the Yoruba film industry was thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who also succumbed to stage-four cancer.