The Lagos State Government has firmly debunked circulating claims that Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, was “cleared” by the Court of Appeal. In a comprehensive clarification issued in Lagos, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), described the claims — largely propagated by actor Yomi Fabiyi — as false, misleading, and capable of causing public confusion.
Pedro, speaking to journalists, said his attention was drawn to a widely shared social media post by Yomi Fabiyi, which was later republished across multiple online platforms. The post suggested that the Court of Appeal had exonerated Baba Ijesha of all charges, including the sexual offences for which he was convicted in 2022. According to the Attorney-General, this assertion was not only inaccurate but a deliberate misrepresentation of judicial proceedings.
Release Was Due to Completion of Sentence — Not an Acquittal
Pedro emphasised that Baba Ijesha’s recent release from custody occurred solely because he completed his jail term, as affirmed by the Court of Appeal — not because he was absolved of guilt.
“Mr Olanrewaju James was not cleared of the offences of sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child,” – the Attorney-General stated unequivocally.
He warned that reports claiming otherwise were entirely untrue and capable of misleading the public, especially on a matter as sensitive as child sexual abuse.
Court Records: What Actually Happened
Pedro provided a detailed review of the case history to dispel the misinformation:
1. High Court Conviction (14 July 2022)
The Lagos State High Court found Baba Ijesha guilty of sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child for offences committed in 2021. He was sentenced to five years and three years imprisonment respectively, with both sentences ordered to run concurrently.
2. Appeal Court Judgment (28 June 2024)
The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, did not acquit the actor.
Instead, it:
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Set aside only the charges related to alleged offences between 2013–2014 (on technical grounds),
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But expressly upheld the 2021 conviction and confirmed the sentence imposed by the State High Court.
3. Supreme Court Proceedings (May & October 2025)
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Baba Ijesha’s appeal to the Supreme Court was struck out on 29 May 2025 for incompetence.
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His subsequent application for leave to file a fresh appeal was dismissed on 9 October 2025, leaving the Court of Appeal judgment fully intact and enforceable.
These judicial outcomes, Pedro reiterated, clearly show that Baba Ijesha remained a convicted offender under Nigerian law throughout the entire process.
Government Warns Against Misinformation
The Attorney-General expressed concern that Fabiyi’s narrative did more than distort facts — it risked eroding public trust in the justice system and trivializing offences against children. He cautioned Fabiyi and all platforms amplifying the false narrative to desist.
Pedro further warned that the state would not hesitate to enforce Section 39 of the Lagos Criminal Law, which criminalises the publication of false news intended to cause fear or alarm.
“These circulating claims are untrue, capable of causing public alarm, and must stop,” he said.
Commitment to Child Protection and Judicial Integrity
Pedro reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s unwavering commitment to:
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Protecting children and vulnerable persons,
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Enforcing valid convictions, and
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Preventing the distortion of judicial outcomes in the public space.
He urged members of the public to rely only on verified legal information and disregard social media narratives that misstate the facts.
Conclusion
Despite online celebrations and misleading claims to the contrary, Baba Ijesha was never acquitted or cleared by the Court of Appeal. His release was the natural consequence of completing his prison term — not a declaration of innocence.
The Lagos State Government has drawn a clear line against misinformation, insisting that the justice system must not be undermined by false narratives, especially in cases as delicate and impactful as those involving the safety and dignity of children.
