BEVERLY HILLS, April 25, (THEWILL) – The Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) says it would make sure that justice is served in the case of alleged defilement of a minor involving one of its members, Baba Ijesha.
THEWILL had reported that the actor, whose real name is Olarenwaju James, was recently arrested for allegedly assaulting a 14-year-old girl sexually from when she was seven years old.
This development has continued to spark social media debate as many Nigerians are asking for a thorough investigation into the matter and prosecution of the actor if found guilty.
In a statement on Sunday, by the director of research and documentation, TAMPAN, Yemi Amodu, the group condemned the development, saying that the association would never support such “ignoble acts.”
TAMPAN said: “We find it obligatory to condemn in totality the odious occurrence of pedophilia confessed to by Mr. Olanrewaju James aka Baba Ijesha as confirmed by the police. Our association TAMPAN is crestfallen about this act and will reproach and remonstrate the committer of such exclusive sexual harassment to prepubescent children.
“Considering the sensitivity of the case, which is still under investigation according to Lagos state commissioner of Police, TAMPAN will never support all acts against what we preach and represent. As an association, we understand the mores and social norm of our people and our behavior will always be homiletic. Therefore, we would not fail to support government in its bid to do justice towards ensuring that such ignoble acts are checked within our society.”
According to the association, the development has shown the necessity for parents to give their children the opportunity to always express themselves so as to tackle the scourge in society.
“We sympathise with the parents of the victim and also seize this opportunity to charge all parents to give their children or wards freedom to express themselves for a timely arrest of such horrible acts whenever such are committed,” it added. “Finally, we will always stand for actions that are morally standard and continue to be law-abiding
