Lagos Attorney-General Clarifies That Baba Ijesha’s Release Is Not an Acquittal
The Lagos State Government has formally addressed growing confusion surrounding the release of Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, insisting that his freedom does not amount to an acquittal. In a detailed clarification delivered on Sunday, the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, condemned circulating claims that the actor had been exonerated of all charges, including those involving the sexual assault of a minor.
The controversy stemmed from statements made by actor Yomi Fabiyi on November 14, in which he announced on social media that the Court of Appeal had dismissed the case and cleared Baba Ijesha of wrongdoing. Fabiyi described the original prosecution as a “charade,” implying that the justice system had effectively reversed itself. His comments quickly spread online, prompting intense public reaction and widespread misinformation.
Speaking to journalists, Attorney-General Pedro described those claims as “false, misleading, and irresponsible,” warning that such distortions of judicial proceedings have the potential to misinform the public and undermine confidence in the justice system. According to him, at no point did the Court of Appeal or any other court discharge or acquit Baba Ijesha of the sexual assault offences for which he was convicted.
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Pedro reaffirmed that the High Court of Lagos State had, on July 14, 2022, convicted the actor for sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child in relation to incidents that occurred in 2021. The court sentenced him to five years’ imprisonment for sexual assault and three years for indecent treatment of a child, with both sentences running concurrently. These convictions formed the legal basis for Baba Ijesha’s imprisonment.
While the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, reviewed certain aspects of the case on June 28, 2024, setting aside convictions related to alleged incidents from 2013 to 2014, it maintained the validity of the 2021 conviction. Pedro emphasized that this position was never overturned at any stage of the judicial process.
The Attorney-General went on to detail subsequent developments at the Supreme Court. He explained that Baba Ijesha’s appeal to the apex court was first struck out on May 29, 2025, due to incompetence. A later attempt to secure permission to file a fresh appeal was dismissed on October 9, 2025. These rulings ensured that the Court of Appeal’s judgment—upholding the 2021 conviction—remained final and binding.
Pedro stressed that Baba Ijesha’s recent release from custody was simply the result of completing his prison sentence as ordered by the courts. He made it clear that the actor was not exonerated and that the sexual assault conviction stands firmly in place. “Mr. Olanrewaju James was not cleared of the offences of sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child,” he stated.
The Attorney-General’s clarification comes amid a flurry of public commentary, with many Nigerians expressing disappointment, confusion, or anger over the misinformation spread online. Some commentators criticized Fabiyi for misleading the public, accusing him of deliberately distorting facts to defend the actor. Others called for stricter penalties against individuals who knowingly misrepresent judicial outcomes.
Among public reactions were questions about whether Baba Ijesha would be listed in the sex-offender registry and whether the justice system had handled the case appropriately from the beginning. Some commenters argued that misinformation in sensitive cases such as this could jeopardize public trust and embolden individuals who downplay or dismiss sexual violence.
The clarification from Lagos State seeks to put an end to the controversy by reaffirming the legal record and ensuring that the public understands the exact circumstances surrounding the actor’s release. As far as the judicial system is concerned, Baba Ijesha remains a convicted offender, and his release marks the end of a completed sentence—not a vindication.