Olanrewaju Omiyinka
By Abayomi Bolatito
Baba Ijesha, the Nollywood actor, is still a convicted sexual offender, according to the Lagos State Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro. He was sentenced to five years in prison for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old minor in 2021.
The Court of Appeal upheld the conviction, and his appeal to the Supreme Court was struck out in May 2025. A subsequent motion for leave to file a fresh appeal was also dismissed in October 2025, confirming the conviction .
The AG clarified that Baba Ijesha’s release from prison was because he completed his sentence, not because he was acquitted or exonerated. This contradicts claims made by actor Yomi Fabiyi, who said Baba Ijesha was cleared by the Appeal Court.
The Lagos State government has dismissed reports that Baba Ijesha was freed after being acquitted, describing the claims as “false, misleading, and irresponsible”. The AG warned that spreading such misinformation could cause public alarm and urged the public to disregard the claims.
Comedienne Princess has urged the Lagos State government and the Department of Justice to include Baba Ijesha’s name in the sex offenders register. The AG has also warned Yomi Fabiyi and anyone spreading false information that they may face criminal prosecution.
Baba Ijesha’s case has sparked widespread discussion and outrage, with many calling for stricter laws to protect children from sexual abuse. The Lagos State government has reiterated its commitment to protecting children and enforcing criminal convictions .
