The Lagos State Government has officially confirmed that Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James popularly known as Baba Ijesha has been added to the Lagos State Sex Offenders Register following the completion of his prison sentence for sexually assaulting a minor.
Baba Ijesha was convicted in 2021 for molesting a 14-year-old girl and subsequently sentenced to jail. Over the weekend, a video surfaced online showing the actor inside a vehicle shortly after his release. In the clip, which has not been independently verified, he appeared relieved and mentioned that he needed rest.
The latest update from the government comes after an earlier report by PUNCH Online in which the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), strongly refuted claims circulating online that the actor had been cleared by the Court of Appeal.
Pedro described the rumoured “clearance” as false, misleading, and irresponsible, emphasizing that the conviction remains valid and intact.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency reiterated the government’s position. Quoting the Attorney-General, the agency wrote:
“Mr Olanrewaju James was not cleared of the offences of sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child.”
The Attorney-General also cautioned the public to disregard claims being pushed by actor Yomi Fabiyi, calling the narratives “completely untrue” and capable of misleading Nigerians. He warned Fabiyi and any media platform spreading the misinformation to stop immediately.
According to the agency, Baba Ijesha’s inclusion in the Sex Offenders Register is backed by Section 37 of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law, 2021. The measure, it said, is part of ongoing efforts to protect minors, ensure accountability, and provide accurate information to the public.
Comedienne and actress Damilola Adekoya (Princess), who played a major role in exposing the case, had earlier urged the state government and the Ministry of Justice during a live Instagram session to ensure the actor’s name was added to the register.
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