The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, has debunked claims circulating on social media that Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, was released from prison because he was cleared by the Court of Appeal. Pedro described these claims as false, misleading, and irresponsible, stating that they represent a gross misrepresentation of court proceedings.
The controversy began when actor Yomi Fabiyi posted on social media that Baba Ijesha had been absolved of all charges, including the sexual assault of a minor. However, Pedro clarified that this was not the case, providing a detailed timeline of the actor’s court proceedings. In July 2022, the Lagos State High Court found Baba Ijesha guilty of sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child, sentencing him to five years and three years, respectively, with the terms running concurrently.
The Court of Appeal later delivered a judgment on the actor’s challenge to the conviction, overturning charges related to alleged offenses between 2013 and 2014 but affirming the conviction and sentence for the 2021 sexual assault. Baba Ijesha’s subsequent appeal to the Supreme Court was struck out in May 2025, and a later application to file a fresh appeal was dismissed in October 2025. As a result, the judgment of the Court of Appeal remains final and fully effective.
Pedro emphasized that Baba Ijesha was released from prison because he had completed his prison term, as upheld by the appellate court, and not because he was discharged, acquitted, or cleared of wrongdoing. The Attorney-General stressed that the actor was never exonerated of sexual assault or the indecent treatment of a child, and that Fabiyi’s assertions were baseless and capable of causing unwarranted public concern.
The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has urged the public to disregard the misleading reports and cautioned Fabiyi, as well as media platforms circulating the claims, to cease immediately. Pedro warned that the ministry will not hesitate to prosecute anyone found publishing false information with the intent to cause fear or alarm, an offense punishable under Section 39 of the Lagos Criminal Law. The incident highlights the importance of accurate reporting and the need for social media users to verify information before sharing it to avoid spreading misinformation.