The Lagos State Government has issued a crucial clarification regarding the release of actor Olanrewaju James, widely known as Baba Ijesha, stating he was freed after completing his jail term for sexual offences and was not cleared of wrongdoing as falsely claimed in some media reports.
Official Clarification on Baba Ijesha's Release
Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), addressed journalists in Lagos to correct what he termed a deliberate misrepresentation of judicial records. His statement came in response to social media posts by actor Yomi Fabiyi, which were later republished by various online platforms, falsely claiming that the Court of Appeal had exonerated Baba Ijesha of all charges.
Pedro emphasized that the appellate court never granted any such clearance to the actor, contrary to Fabiyi's assertions that the Court of Appeal had declared the entire case a charade and absolved Baba Ijesha of wrongdoing.
Case History and Legal Proceedings
Reviewing the legal timeline, Pedro noted that the Lagos State High Court had on July 14, 2022, convicted Baba Ijesha of sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child for offences committed in 2021. The court sentenced him to five years and three years imprisonment respectively, with both sentences to run concurrently.
The Attorney-General explained that the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, in its June 28, 2024 judgement, only set aside charges related to alleged offences from 2013-2014. However, the appellate court expressly upheld the conviction and sentence for the 2021 sexual assault.
Baba Ijesha's subsequent legal efforts also failed. His appeal to the Supreme Court was struck out on May 29, 2025 for being incompetent, while a follow-up application for leave to file a fresh appeal was dismissed on October 9, 2025. These developments left the Court of Appeal judgement fully in force, confirming his conviction.
Government Warning and Commitment
Pedro urged the public to disregard the misinformation circulating about Baba Ijesha's case. He issued a strong warning to Fabiyi and any media platform amplifying the false narrative to immediately desist from such actions.
The Attorney-General cautioned that the Office of the Attorney-General would not hesitate to invoke Section 39 of the Lagos Criminal Law, which criminalizes the publication of false news intended to cause fear or alarm, should the dissemination of falsehoods continue.
He reaffirmed the state government's unwavering commitment to protecting children, enforcing valid court convictions, and preventing the distortion of judicial outcomes in the public space. The clarification aims to ensure the public maintains confidence in the justice system and understands that sexual offences against minors are treated with utmost seriousness in Lagos State.
