Baba Ijesha Completed Jail Term, Not Cleared, Says Lagos Govt
The Lagos State Government has dismissed widespread claims that Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, was released after being cleared by the Court of Appeal, insisting that the convict only completed his lawful prison term.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, made the clarification in Lagos on Sunday while addressing journalists.
He described the viral reports particularly a social media post by actor Yomi Fabiyi as “false, misleading and irresponsible.”
Pedro said the government was deeply concerned by attempts to distort judicial records and mislead the public into believing that the Court of Appeal exonerated Baba Ijesha of all charges, including sexual offences involving a minor.
“As reported by Vanguard, such claims are a complete distortion of the judicial record and capable of misleading the public,” he warned.
Providing a detailed breakdown of the case, Pedro explained that the Lagos High Court had, on July 14, 2022, convicted Baba Ijesha for 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 imprisonment, to run concurrently.
While Baba Ijesha appealed the judgment, Pedro emphasized that the ruling of the Court of Appeal did not clear him of wrongdoing.
“On June 28, 2024, the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, delivered judgment on his appeal,” the Attorney-General said. “While the court set aside convictions relating to alleged offences from 2013–2014, it upheld the conviction and sentence for the 2021 sexual assault charges.”
He stressed that the only reason Baba Ijesha is no longer in custody is that he completed the valid sentence imposed on him, not because he was exonerated.
Pedro urged members of the public, especially influencers and actors, to refrain from spreading misinformation capable of undermining public trust in the justice system.
He reiterated that the Lagos State Government remains committed to protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring justice for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
