The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, has refuted circulating claims that Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, was released because he had been cleared by the Court of Appeal.
Pedro described the rumours, triggered by a social media post from actor Yomi Fabiyi, as false and capable of misleading the public.
Pedro explained that Baba Ijesha’s legal record remains unchanged: he was convicted by the Lagos State High Court in 2022 for sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child, relating to events that occurred in 2021.
Although the Court of Appeal later set aside convictions for alleged offences from 2013–2014, it upheld the convictions connected to the 2021 assault.
Further attempts by the actor to challenge the ruling at the Supreme Court failed, with his appeal struck out in May 2025 and a subsequent request to file a fresh appeal dismissed in October of the same year.
According to the Attorney-General, this means the Court of Appeal’s judgment stands in full.
Pedro stressed that the actor’s release followed the completion of his prison sentence not because he was discharged or acquitted and warned against spreading misinformation.
He noted that publishing false news capable of causing fear or alarm is an offence under Lagos law.
Meanwhile, comedienne Princess urged the Lagos State Government and the Department of Justice to add Baba Ijesha’s name to the sex offender register, reiterating her call during a live Instagram session.
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