Nollywood actor Olarenwaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has reportedly been released from prison after the Court of Appeal overturned his conviction for the sexual assault of a minor.
The actor was arrested in 2021, and in July 2022 the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja sentenced him to 16 years in prison after finding him guilty on several counts related to the assault of a 14-year-old girl.
A widely circulated but yet-to-be-verified video obtained on Saturday showed the comic actor seated in a vehicle shortly after his release, expressing relief and stating that he needed rest. The clip has since been shared across Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
In the video, a man believed to be the actor is seen celebrating his release. During a brief phone call captured in the clip, he is heard saying in Yoruba, “Apase, I’m out… I just came out. I want to relax. I just want to leave here, so I decided to inform you. Thank you for supporting me. I will call you.”
Actor Yomi Fabiyi, a longtime friend of Baba Ijesha, also announced the alleged Appeal Court decision in an Instagram post on Friday. He described the ruling as one that brought clarity to what he claimed had been a mishandled case.
Fabiyi said the judgment “clears” the actor and called on the public and authorities to approach sensitive allegations with caution. “He is not just back but better,” he wrote, adding that the prolonged legal battle highlighted the importance of fairness, due process and the protection of rights in cases involving minors.
He further emphasized that, as a human rights advocate, he does not support abuse in any form.
“We never and will never condone or support any form of sexual abuse, let alone on children or minors. We will continue to advocate for justice and the protection of fundamental human rights,” he said.
