The news of popular Nollywood Yoruba actor, Baba Ijesha (Olanrewaju James) release from prison took the internet by storm over the weekend with jubilation from the actor’s fans, friends and family.
Be that as it may, the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN) has this to say amid circulating reports suggesting that the actor was released because he had been cleared by the Court of Appeal.
Pedro said; “Mr Olanrewaju James was never exonerated of sexual assault or the indecent treatment of a child.”
“The clarification became necessary after Yomi Fabiyi claimed the appellate court had declared the actor innocent of defiling a minor and dismissed the case as a “charade.”
“The Lagos State High Court, on July 14, 2022, found Baba Ijesha guilty of sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child in connection with incidents that occurred in 2021.”
“He was sentenced to five years and three years respectively, with the terms running concurrently.”
“On June 28, 2024, the Court of Appeal delivered judgment on the actor’s challenge to the conviction.”
“While the court overturned charges related to alleged offences between 2013 and 2014, it affirmed both the conviction and the sentence imposed for the 2021 sexual assault.”
“Baba Ijesha proceeded to the Supreme Court, but his appeal was struck out on May 29, 2025, for being incompetent.”
“A later application seeking permission to file a fresh appeal was similarly dismissed on October 9, 2025. As a result, the judgment of the Court of Appeal remains final and fully effective.”
“The actor regained his freedom solely because he completed his prison term as upheld by the appellate court, not because he was discharged, acquitted, or cleared of wrongdoing.”
“The public should disregard the misleading reports and cautioned Fabiyi, as well as media platforms circulating the claims, to cease immediately.”
“The Ministry of Justice will not hesitate to prosecute anyone found publishing false information with the intent to cause fear or alarm, an offence punishable under Section 39 of the Lagos Criminal Law.”
