Appeal Court frees Nollywood actor Baba Ijesha, overturns sexual assault conviction

Appeal Court frees Nollywood actor Baba Ijesha, overturns sexual assault conviction

Nollywood actor Olarenwaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has reportedly regained his freedom following a Court of Appeal judgment that overturned his conviction for sexually assaulting a minor.

The actor was arrested in 2021 and, in July 2022, sentenced to 16 years in prison by the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, after being found guilty of multiple counts related to the molestation of a 14-year-old girl.

However, a video circulated across Facebook, Instagram, and X on Saturday appeared to show the comic actor sitting inside a vehicle moments after his release. Speaking in Yoruba during a phone conversation, he said: “Apase, I’m out. I just came out. I want to relax… I decided to inform you. Thank you for supporting me.”

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Although Newstrends has not independently verified the footage, the man seen celebrating closely resembled the actor.

Confirming the development, fellow actor and friend Yomi Fabiyi announced the Appeal Court ruling via Instagram on Friday, describing the judgment as a step toward “clarity” in what he termed a mishandled case.

“He is not just back but better,” Fabiyi said, adding that the prolonged trial highlighted the importance of fairness, due process, and protection of fundamental rights in cases involving minors.

Fabiyi emphasized that he remains firmly against sexual abuse.

“We never and will never condone any form of sexual abuse, especially against minors,” he wrote. “We will continue to advocate for justice and protection of fundamental human rights.”

As of press time, official court documents confirming the appellate judgment had yet to be made public.

Appeal Court frees Nollywood actor Baba Ijesha, overturns sexual assault conviction