The Lagos State Government has issued a strong rebuttal against widespread misinformation concerning the legal status of actor Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha. The state's Attorney-General, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), has categorically stated that the Court of Appeal did not clear the actor of sexual offences involving a minor, contrary to claims circulating online.
Setting the Record Straight on the Conviction
Addressing journalists in Lagos, Lawal Pedro clarified the timeline of the case. He revealed that his office was compelled to act after attention was drawn to a social media post by actor Yomi Fabiyi, which was later republished by various online platforms. This post falsely alleged that the appellate court had exonerated Baba Ijesha of all charges.
Pedro described this assertion as a deliberate misrepresentation of the judicial record. He emphasized that the actor's release from custody was a direct result of him having completed the jail term handed down by the court, not because he was found innocent.
The Unchanged Legal Facts of the Case
The Attorney-General provided a detailed review of the case to counter the false narrative. He confirmed that on July 14, 2022, the Lagos State High Court convicted Baba Ijesha for the sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child, crimes committed in 2021. The court sentenced him to five years and three years imprisonment, respectively, with the sentences to run concurrently.
Regarding the Appeal Court's ruling on June 28, 2024, Pedro explained that it only set aside charges related to alleged offences from 2013–2014. Crucially, the appellate court expressly upheld the conviction and sentence for the 2021 sexual assault.
Furthermore, subsequent legal attempts by Baba Ijesha failed. His appeal to the Supreme Court was struck out on May 29, 2025 for being incompetent. A follow-up application for leave to file a fresh appeal was also dismissed on October 9, 2025. This solidified the Court of Appeal's judgment as the final word on the matter.
Official Warning and Government's Stance
In his final remarks, the Attorney-General was unequivocal. Mr. Olanrewaju James was not cleared of the offences of sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child,
he stated. He warned the public that the circulating claims are not only untrue but are also capable of causing unnecessary alarm.Pedro urged members of the public to disregard the misinformation entirely. He also issued a direct caution to Yomi Fabiyi and any media platform amplifying the false narrative, advising them to desist immediately. He highlighted that the Office of the Attorney-General would not hesitate to invoke Section 39 of the Lagos Criminal Law, which criminalises the publication of false news intended to cause fear or alarm, should the dissemination of falsehoods continue.
This firm stance reaffirms the Lagos State Government's commitment to protecting children, enforcing valid court convictions, and preventing the distortion of judicial outcomes in the public space.
