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Baba Ijesha Speaks Out After Prison Release, Denies Sexual Assault Conviction

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Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha
Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha

Baba Ijesha Speaks Out After Prison Release, Denies Sexual Assault Conviction

Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has publicly denied allegations of sexual assault, insisting that he is neither a rapist nor a pedophile, in his first major interview since his release from prison.

The actor made the remarks during a podcast interview hosted by actress and media personality Biola Adebayo, where he addressed the 2021 incident that led to his arrest, trial, conviction, and subsequent imprisonment.

During the interview, Baba Ijesha maintained that he was “set up” in what he described as a coordinated scheme involving individuals he once trusted. He alleged that the events surrounding the case were manipulated to implicate him unfairly.

He specifically accused comedienne Damilola Adekoya, also known as Princess and the foster mother of the victim, of orchestrating events that led to his downfall. The allegation has further intensified public reactions and renewed debate around the case.

The controversy dates back to 2021, when a video recorded via hidden CCTV surfaced online, triggering widespread outrage across Nigeria. The footage played a key role in the legal proceedings that followed.

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In 2022, a court found Baba Ijesha guilty of sexual assault and indecent treatment of a minor involving a 14-year-old girl under the care of Princess. Court proceedings indicated that the abuse allegedly began when the victim was much younger, a detail that drew significant public condemnation at the time.

Following the conviction, the actor was sentenced to five years in prison. The judgment was later upheld on appeal, reinforcing the lower court’s ruling. Baba Ijesha completed his sentence and was released on November 14, 2025, marking his return to public life.

In the recent interview, he reiterated his innocence and argued that the legal process did not reflect the full circumstances of the case as he experienced them. His comments have reignited discussions around criminal conviction in Nigeria, due process, and post-conviction public narratives.

The interview has generated mixed reactions across social media. Many Nigerians have criticized the decision to provide him a platform so soon after his release, arguing that it could be insensitive to victims of gender-based violence and may undermine public trust in accountability mechanisms.

Others, however, contend that he is entitled to express his perspective following the completion of his sentence, highlighting the importance of hearing multiple sides of high-profile cases while respecting judicial outcomes.

The renewed attention surrounding the interview has also sparked broader conversations about media responsibility, victim protection, and how public figures navigate reintegration into society after serving prison terms for serious offenses.

Baba Ijesha Speaks Out After Prison Release, Denies Sexual Assault Conviction

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Doctor Urges Portable to Take Brain Scan After Celebrity Boxing Fight With Carter Efe

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Doctor Urges Portable to Take Brain Scan After Celebrity Boxing Fight With Carter Efe

Doctor Urges Portable to Take Brain Scan After Celebrity Boxing Fight With Carter Efe

A Nigerian doctor based in Canada, Arinze Onwumelu, has advised singer Portable to undergo an urgent brain scan (MRI) following his celebrity boxing match with skit maker Carter Efe, warning that the musician may have suffered hidden head injuries during the bout.

The fight, held in Lagos over the weekend, ended in Portable’s defeat and quickly went viral, generating widespread reactions across social media platforms and sparking renewed debate about the safety of celebrity boxing events in Nigeria.

In a post shared on X, Dr. Onwumelu—also known as Dr. Zo—said Portable should immediately undergo an MRI brain scan to rule out possible internal injuries sustained during the match.

He explained that repeated punches to sensitive areas of the head could place the singer at risk of a subdural hematoma, a serious condition involving bleeding around the brain that can occur after head trauma.

According to him, exhibition boxing matches are intended for entertainment and should not involve excessive force capable of causing long-term health complications.

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“This is an exhibition match meant for entertainment, not a real fight to harm anyone,” he said, questioning whether the level of aggression displayed in the fight was properly controlled or communicated to participants.

The doctor further recommended that Portable undergo a full neurological evaluation, including brain imaging, to ensure there are no complications such as internal bleeding or vascular damage.

He also called on organisers of celebrity boxing events to make protective headgear compulsory in future bouts to reduce the risk of serious injury and improve athlete safety.

The warning has intensified online discussions about the rising popularity of celebrity boxing in Nigeria, with many social media users questioning the safety standards and medical oversight of such events.

Portable, who has previously participated in similar celebrity fights, including bouts against actor Charles Okocha and rapper Speed Darlington, had earlier expressed confidence ahead of the match, insisting he was medically fit and prepared to win.

However, the latest medical concern has shifted attention from entertainment value to health risks associated with celebrity combat sports, especially as such events continue to attract large audiences and online engagement.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Portable nor Carter Efe has publicly responded to the doctor’s recommendation.

Doctor Urges Portable to Take Brain Scan After Celebrity Boxing Fight With Carter Efe

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Funke Akindele Explains Why She Stopped Attending Church

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Funke Akindele
Funke Akindele

Funke Akindele Explains Why She Stopped Attending Church

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has revealed why she no longer attends church services physically, saying constant public attention and media intrusion during worship influenced her decision.

In a video shared on her Snapchat account on Sunday morning, the award-winning actress was seen preparing breakfast for her children as they got ready for church. She explained that while her children still attend church physically, she now prefers to join services online from home.

According to her, the major reason for stepping back from physical church attendance is the repeated focus on her by camera operators and individuals taking photos whenever she is present in church, which she says makes her uncomfortable and distracted during worship.

“I don’t go to church anymore. Anytime I attend, they keep taking pictures of me. So I prefer to join online, make breakfast, and work on my projects,” she said.

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Akindele added that she now finds online worship more peaceful and private, allowing her to focus better on her faith, family responsibilities, and professional commitments in the film industry.

She emphasized that her decision is personal and should not be interpreted as a withdrawal from Christianity, noting that her faith remains intact but is now practiced in a more private setting.

The actress, one of Nigeria’s most influential entertainment figures, also highlighted the challenges of fame, noting that public figures are often under constant observation even in personal or sacred spaces.

Her comments have since generated widespread reactions across social media, with fans debating issues around celebrity privacy, church media practices, and the pressure of public attention on high-profile individuals.

Funke Akindele Explains Why She Stopped Attending Church

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Jubilation as Lateef Adedimeji, Mo Bimpe Welcome Triplet Boys

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Jubilation as Lateef Adedimeji, Mo Bimpe Welcome Triplet Boys

– Nollywood couple confirms birth after weeks of speculation, describes arrival as “greatest blessing

 

LAGOS, NIGERIA — Popular Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji and his wife, actress Adebimpe Oyebade, have welcomed triplet baby boys, bringing excitement and celebration across Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

The couple confirmed the news on Friday through their social media platforms, sharing an emotional video that captured moments leading up to the birth and their journey into parenthood.

In a heartfelt message accompanying the announcement, Adedimeji disclosed that his recent absence from public engagements and online activities was deliberate, as he chose to focus on his family during a critical period.

“I’ve been quiet… not absent. I’ve been building, protecting, and embracing the greatest blessing of my life,” he wrote, expressing gratitude and joy over the arrival of the children.

The birth of the triplets marks a significant milestone for the couple, who got married in 2021 and have since become one of Nollywood’s most admired pairs, both on and off screen.

News of the delivery quickly spread across social media, drawing congratulatory messages from fans, colleagues, and industry stakeholders. Several Nollywood stars and public figures have since flooded their comment sections with prayers and well wishes for the new parents and their children.

The announcement also puts to rest earlier speculation that had circulated online in recent weeks, with unconfirmed reports suggesting the couple had welcomed either twins or triplets.

Observers note that the development has further strengthened the couple’s public image, with many fans describing the moment as a testimony of patience, love, and faith.

As congratulatory messages continue to pour in, the couple is yet to release further details about the birth, including the names of the children or additional family updates.

 

Jubilation as Lateef Adedimeji, Mo Bimpe Welcome Triplet Boys

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