JUST IN: How Baba Ijesha got released

By Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi

Nollywood actor and activist Yomi Fabiyi has stirred controversy following a lengthy Instagram post on Friday celebrating the release of fellow actor Baba Ijesha and alleging a series of inconsistencies and misconduct in the high-profile child sexual assault case.

Fabiyi, a vocal supporter of the embattled actor since his arrest in 2021, announced:
“You are now officially FREE AND OUT. Baba Ijesha is not just back but BETTER.”
He also claimed that the Lagos Appeal Court had cleared the actor of allegations of sexually assaulting a minor, describing the original case as a “charade.”

Baba Ijesha, born Olanrewaju James Omiyinka, was convicted in July 2022 for the sexual assault of a minor and sentenced to five years in prison after the court found him guilty on four of six counts related to indecent treatment and sexual assault. His conviction stemmed from a viral CCTV video recorded in the home of comedian Damilola Adekoya (Princess), the victim’s foster mother.

In his post, Fabiyi outlined several serious allegations against individuals connected to the case, including:

 Fabiyi claimed there was “no proof” the victim was 14 years old during the 2021 incident, calling the case a “weaponised” attempt to destroy the actor.

 He alleged that one Damola Adekola, described as a neighbour and associate of Princess, was not prosecuted despite “confessing” to a sexual relationship with the girl.

 Fabiyi accused the comedian of grooming, child pornography, and re-traumatising the minor by installing cameras and recording the pre-arranged meeting with Baba Ijesha.

According to him, his human rights organisation “never condones sexual abuse” but will continue to fight “selective justice” and “organised crime.”

The actor claimed the appeal court’s decision vindicated their stance, though official details of the ruling remain limited.

Baba Ijesha was arrested in April 2021 after a hidden CCTV camera allegedly captured him engaging in inappropriate behaviour with the minor, who had been previously abused at age seven.

The Lagos Special Offences Court found him guilty of indecent treatment and sexual assault but acquitted him of charges requiring proof of penetration.

He was handed a total of 16 years imprisonment but was to serve five years due to concurrent sentencing.

 In 2024, the Lagos Appeal Court reportedly upheld parts of his conviction while adjusting some counts.