NIGERIA: Baba Ijesha Regains Freedom After Appeal Court Overturns Conviction

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has reportedly been released from prison following a Court of Appeal judgment that reviewed his earlier conviction for the sexual assault of a minor.

Baba Ijesha was arrested in 2021 and, in July 2022, was sentenced by the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja to 16 years in prison after being found guilty on multiple counts related to the assault of a 14-year-old girl.

A video circulating on social media over the weekend appears to show the actor sitting inside a vehicle shortly after his release, expressing relief and saying he needed rest.

Although the clip has been shared widely across Facebook, Instagram and X, it has not yet been independently verified.

In the video, a man resembling the actor is heard saying in Yoruba, “I’m out… I just came out. I want to relax. I just want to leave here, so I decided to inform you. Thank you for supporting me. I will call you.”

Actor Yomi Fabiyi also posted that the Appeal Court’s decision had brought clarity to what he described as a mishandled case, saying the ruling had strengthened the need for fairness, due process and the protection of rights in matters involving minors.

He added that he does not support any form of sexual abuse and will continue to advocate for justice.

Details of the Appeal Court’s full ruling have not yet been made public, and independent confirmation of the circumstances surrounding the actor’s release is still awaited.