Actor Baba Ijesha's Prison Release Doesn't Mean Innocence

Baba Ijesha

Lawal Pedro, Lagos State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, has vehemently denied claims that Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James (alias Baba Ijesha) was cleared of all allegations—including s*xual misconduct involving a minor—by the Court of Appeal.

Earlier this week, actor Yomi Fabiyi asserted that Baba Ijesha had been freed after the appellate court dismissed his s*xual abuse case, describing the trial as fraudulent. However, Pedro debunked these statements as blatantly false and dangerously misleading.

Addressing reporters on Sunday, the Attorney-General emphasized that such reports grossly misrepresented judicial proceedings, calling them a reckless distortion of facts with serious potential to misinform the public.

“The Court of Appeal did not exonerate Baba Ijesha, as falsely claimed,” Pedro clarified.

He confirmed that the Lagos High Court had convicted the actor on July 14, 2022, sentencing him to concurrent prison terms of five and three years for indecent treatment of a child and s*xual assault related to 2021 incidents.

While the Court of Appeal overturned convictions tied to alleged 2013–2014 incidents on June 28, 2024, it firmly upheld his guilt concerning the 2021 charges. According to Pedro, this decision was later reinforced when the Supreme Court dismissed Baba Ijesha’s appeal on procedural grounds.

“The Supreme Court struck out an initial appeal on May 29, 2025, and rejected a subsequent motion on October 9, 2025, leaving no doubt that his conviction stands,” the AG added.

Pedro stressed that the actor’s release solely resulted from serving his full sentence, not from a judicial vindication.

“Baba Ijesha remains a convicted offender for s*xual assault and child endangerment,” Pedro reiterated.

He urged the public to dismiss the false narrative, cautioning Fabiyi and media outlets against spreading misinformation. The AG warned that violators could face legal repercussions under Section 39 of the Lagos Criminal Law for disseminating falsehoods.

The Lagos government reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding minors, enforcing legal judgments, and ensuring accurate reporting of judicial outcomes.