‘Privacy Is Peace to Me’ – Baba Ijesha’s Wife Abiodun Tokunbo Finally Speaks Out

• Fashion entrepreneur and CEO of House of Luminee shares heartfelt journey with Nollywood actor as couple welcomes baby boy after 12 years together

LAGOS, Nigeria – For years, Abiodun Folashade Tokunbo watched from the shadows as her husband, Nollywood actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka – better known as Baba Ijesha – dominated headlines for both his craft and his controversies. Through it all, she remained silent, private, and deliberately out of the public eye. Now, for the first time, she is explaining why.

In a heartfelt Instagram post that has since gone viral, the fashion entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of House of Luminee finally broke her silence on her marriage to the embattled actor, revealing that privacy is peace to me – a philosophy she has held onto throughout their relationship. The revelation comes days after Baba Ijesha announced the birth of their son, King Kagar Omiyinka, a moment that prompted Tokunbo to reflect on their journey together and share a glimpse into their private world.

Tokunbo took to Instagram to share a photograph documenting her journey with the actor over the years. She accompanied the image with a powerful message expressing gratitude despite the challenges they have faced together. “Before and After. Aanu Ni! Oju ri! But Anu speaks. This right time to fly together. Privacy is peace to me,” she wrote. Her words resonated deeply with followers who had no idea the couple had been together for over a decade. The post marked the first time Tokunbo publicly acknowledged her relationship with the actor, ending years of speculation about his personal life.

Tokunbo’s comments came shortly after Baba Ijesha announced that the couple had welcomed a baby boy together. On Monday, the actor took to social media to share the good news, introducing their child as King Kagar Omiyinka. He also showered praises on Tokunbo, describing her as “my ever beautiful wife, strong Jagaban.” The announcement surprised many followers, as neither Baba Ijesha nor Tokunbo had publicly disclosed a romantic relationship before now. The couple had deliberately kept their relationship away from public scrutiny, a decision Tokunbo now explains was essential to her peace of mind and overall well-being. Tokunbo revealed that the newborn is their first child together after 12 years, referencing her daughter in earlier remarks. However, it remains unclear whether the couple had been together for over 12 years. Actor and filmmaker Yomi Fabiyi, a longtime ally of Baba Ijesha, appeared to confirm the news when he shared a video of the couple and congratulated them on the birth.

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The birth announcement comes nearly seven months after Baba Ijesha regained his freedom following the completion of a prison sentence imposed after his conviction in a child sexual assault case. Monday’s announcement marks one of the most significant personal developments the actor has publicly shared since leaving prison and signals a new chapter in his private life, even as public discussions around his conviction continue. Baba Ijesha was convicted in July 2022 for the sexual assault of a minor and sentenced to five years in prison. He completed his sentence earlier in 2026 and has since been attempting to rebuild his career and personal life. The birth of his son with Tokunbo marks a fresh start for the actor, who has largely stayed out of the public eye since his release.

Abiodun Folashade Tokunbo, the woman behind the actor’s quiet personal life, is a force in her own right. She hails from Ijesha Isu, Ekiti State, where she was born as the sixth daughter in a family of eight. She attended Hosanna Africa Primary School before proceeding to Methodist Girls High School for her secondary education. She later obtained a National Diploma in Banking and Finance from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Lagos State University. She launched her fashion brand, House of Luminee, in 2013, shortly after completing her final examinations at LASU. Her big break came when Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe discovered one of her designs online and reached out to the model featured in the post. Since then, she has built a notable presence in the Nigerian fashion space, working with A-list celebrities including Mercy Aigbe, Shola Shobowale, Ini Edo, Queen Silekunola Ogunwusi, Mide Martins, Mercy Johnson, and others. Today, House of Luminee is recognized as one of Lagos’s premier fashion houses, known for its elegant and sophisticated designs. Tokunbo has built a reputation for excellence in the industry, earning the respect of colleagues and clients alike.

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The couple’s decision to keep their relationship private has sparked widespread curiosity. While Baba Ijesha has been a public figure for decades, Tokunbo remained firmly in the background, never appearing at red-carpet events or granting interviews about her personal life. Her Instagram post now offers a rare glimpse into their relationship, showing that they have weathered storms together – both professional and personal. The phrase “Oju ri” (meaning “we have seen it all” in Yoruba) suggests a shared history of trials and triumphs, while “Aanu ni” (meaning “it is mercy”) reflects gratitude for how far they have come.

The couple’s announcement drew widespread attention online, largely because they had deliberately kept their relationship away from public scrutiny over the years. Fans and followers have since reacted with congratulations and admiration for the couple’s milestone. Many praised Tokunbo for her grace and discretion, while others expressed surprise at the revelation. “Finally, we know the woman behind the man. Congratulations to you both,” one follower wrote. Another commented: “Privacy is indeed peace. Wishing you both all the best with your new baby.”

The public acknowledgment of his marriage and the birth of his son could mark a turning point for Baba Ijesha as he seeks to rebuild his public image. While his conviction and imprisonment left a stain on his reputation, his recent personal milestones suggest a man attempting to move forward. Tokunbo’s public support and the announcement of their child together present a narrative of redemption and new beginnings. However, it remains to be seen whether the actor can fully rehabilitate his career in an industry where public perception often determines success.

As Abiodun Tokunbo and Baba Ijesha embark on this new chapter together, her words ring true: “This right time to fly together.” After years of secrecy, the couple has chosen to share their joy with the world, even as they maintain the privacy that Tokunbo holds dear. For Tokunbo, the decision to keep her marriage private was never about shame or secrecy – it was about protecting her peace. And now, with her son in her arms and her husband by her side, she is ready to embrace the future with gratitude and grace.

‘Privacy Is Peace to Me’ – Baba Ijesha’s Wife Abiodun Tokunbo Finally Speaks Out

Okpebholo Vows Public Hanging for Convicted Kidnappers, Unveils Special Courts

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has vowed to intensify the fight against kidnapping in Edo State, warning that anyone convicted of the crime could face public execution as his administration moves to establish special courts for the speedy trial of kidnapping and cultism cases.

The governor made the remarks on Thursday at the headquarters of the Edo State Police Command in Benin City after interrogating suspects linked to a recent abduction case in the state.

According to Okpebholo, his administration is finalizing plans to create special courts for kidnapping and cultism cases, with a mandate to conclude trials and deliver judgments within two to three weeks.

He said the move is part of broader efforts to strengthen security and ensure swift justice for victims of violent crimes.

“Now we are going to set up a special court to try suspected kidnappers and cultists. Within two to three weeks, we are done with it, and I will sign it,” the governor said.

Okpebholo further stated that convicted kidnappers would face severe punishment, declaring that he would have no regrets in enforcing the law against those found guilty.

“The execution — hang him. I will take you to the roundabout so that the whole of Edo people will see you, and on this I will have no regrets,” he said.

The governor’s comments come amid growing concerns over kidnapping and insecurity in Edo State, with residents and stakeholders calling for stronger measures to curb criminal activities.

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Addressing criminal elements operating in the state, Okpebholo warned that no offender would escape justice, regardless of their influence or support network.

“My message to them is simple: whoever has such a mind to kidnap should know that you cannot do it and go free. There is no crime that will be committed in Edo State that such a person will not be arrested,” he said.

He also cautioned individuals providing assistance or shelter to kidnappers and cultists, stressing that security agencies had been directed to track down all those involved in criminal activities.

“Whoever is supporting you or aiding you to do it should stop because we are ready for you. We are not joking. We are not sleeping. Day and night, security agencies are working to make sure that this land is safe,” the governor added.

The announcement follows a recent kidnapping incident involving a woman in Benin City, an event that has heightened public concern over security in the state.

The proposed special courts in Edo State are expected to accelerate the prosecution of suspects and reduce delays often associated with criminal trials. The initiative is also part of the state government’s broader strategy to tackle kidnapping, cultism, and violent crimes through a combination of law enforcement operations and judicial reforms.

While the governor’s remarks have generated widespread attention, legal experts note that criminal punishments in Nigeria remain subject to constitutional provisions, existing laws, and judicial processes.

As the state government moves forward with the proposed courts, attention will focus on how the initiative will be implemented and its impact on the fight against kidnapping in Edo State.

Okpebholo Vows Public Hanging for Convicted Kidnappers, Unveils Special Courts

Bandits Fear Death, Not God, Says Ex-NYSC DG Tsiga After 56-Day Captivity

• Retired General exposes insider collaborators, human shield tactics, and the terrifying weakness of criminal groups terrorizing Nigeria’s North-West

KADUNA, Nigeria – After surviving 56 harrowing days in the dens of armed bandits, former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Maharazu Tsiga (retd.), has delivered a sobering message to Nigerians and security chiefs alike: bandits are not invincible, they fear death, and endless negotiations will never bring an end to the terrorism and banditry plaguing the nation.

The retired military officer, who was abducted from his hometown in Tsiga, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, on February 5, 2025, alongside nine other residents, and released on April 1, 2025, spoke on Thursday in Kaduna during a press briefing organised by friends, associates, and colleagues of the late retired Major-General Abubakar Rabe. His testimony offered rare, unfiltered insight into the psychology, operations, and vulnerabilities of the criminal networks that have turned Nigeria’s North-West into a theatre of terror.

In his most striking remarks, Tsiga insisted that the criminals terrorizing communities are not supernatural beings but ordinary humans who can be effectively confronted. He declared that these people are human beings like everyone else, that they fear death and fear being confronted, and that if the security forces remove that fear through decisive action and face them squarely, they will achieve more meaningful results than endless negotiations. The former NYSC boss questioned the logic of negotiating with armed groups while failing to dismantle the wider infrastructure of informants, financiers, and logistics suppliers that enable their survival. He argued that a more aggressive and coordinated military strategy is urgently required to dismantle their operations and restore lasting peace.

Tsiga raised serious concerns about individuals and groups allegedly providing support to criminal organisations from within communities and public institutions. He alleged that during his captivity, he overheard bandit leaders discussing the procurement of ammunition from persons with access to government resources, suggesting that insider collaboration remains a major obstacle to peace. He asked who exactly the nation is negotiating with, pointing out that while authorities may negotiate with the bandits, those supplying them and profiting from the conflict will not allow peace to prevail because they are more interested in financial gain than the lives and property of innocent citizens. The retired general stressed that the fight against insecurity must also target individuals who provide support, intelligence, and logistics to criminal gangs. According to him, such collaborators are often embedded within communities and even public institutions, making them a far more dangerous threat than the foot soldiers wielding rifles in the forests.

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Tsiga offered a chilling assessment of the bandits’ psychology, revealing that they operate without any moral or religious restraint but tremble at the sound of fighter jets. He stated that they do not fear God, that they tell their captives not to call God for them but just to give them money, yet immediately they see aircraft, even their cows start running. This revelation has been widely interpreted as validation of the military’s ongoing aerial campaigns in the North-West, which have forced bandits to adopt desperate defensive measures – including using human shields. Security analysts have pointed to Tsiga’s testimony as confirmation that Operation Whirl Punch and other air operations are inflicting significant damage on criminal networks, destroying camps, and eliminating key leaders.

Perhaps the most disturbing revelation from Tsiga’s testimony was how the bandits exploited high-profile captives during military operations. He disclosed that whenever Nigerian Air Force aircraft approached the camp, the abductors forced hostages – especially those they knew held military rank – into the open as human shields. He recounted that whenever they were being attacked, sincerely speaking, the bandits brought them out so that the aircraft could target them, wanting them to be hit, but that God is merciful. In one particularly chilling episode, after a rocket fired at the bandits’ camp failed to explode, his captors placed the unexploded device beside where he slept, hoping he would trigger it. He recalled that they carried that rocket to where he was sleeping and hid it there so that immediately he woke up and touched it, it would explode, but God is merciful.

The retired senior military officer described conditions that tested the limits of human endurance. The abductors fed their captives only once a week – a meager meal of guinea corn – and subjected them to regular beatings. For a 72-year-old hypertensive patient like Tsiga, the excessive salt in the food compounded his suffering. He recounted that they were kept with dangerous animals – hyenas, snakes, and scorpions – and that a day before he was released, while on the mountain where he was staying, they suddenly noticed a hyena circling them, looking for food, with the only food available being the human captives themselves. The psychological torture was equally brutal, with Tsiga recalling how bandits constantly threatened to kill them, creating an atmosphere of perpetual fear and uncertainty.

The retired general further urged communities not to succumb to fear, noting that criminal groups often rely on intimidation to dominate larger populations. He observed that when only a few armed men can force hundreds or even thousands of people to flee, it shows the need for collective action, and that communities must work together with security agencies to deny criminals the space to operate. Tsiga emphasised that if the Army is doing its part and society fails to support those efforts, then everyone has failed, insisting that security is a collective responsibility and that only a united front involving security agencies, government institutions, and citizens can successfully confront banditry, terrorism, and their sponsors. He called on Nigerians to provide timely and credible intelligence to security forces, emphasizing that the National Security Adviser and the Chief of Defence Staff are not magicians and cannot act without reliable information from the public.

The bandits initially demanded ₦400 million for Tsiga’s release. A coordinated fundraising effort, organised through a WhatsApp platform named “TSIGA,” brought together over 300 members – including retired and serving military officers, university lecturers, ambassadors, and business people. Brigadier General Ismaila Abdullahi (retd.), who coordinated the effort, revealed that donations flowed in like August Rains after Tsiga’s bank account details were shared. While conflicting figures regarding the actual ransom amount have been reported – some sources claiming ₦60 million, others suggesting three times that amount – the ordeal highlighted the broader crisis of kidnapping in Nigeria. A 2024 National Bureau of Statistics report estimated that Nigerians paid approximately ₦2.2 trillion in ransom over a 12-month period, with an average of ₦2.67 million paid per kidnapping incident.

Security analysts have pointed to Tsiga’s testimony as validation of the military’s ongoing aerial campaigns in the North-West. According to Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi, a research fellow at the Centre for Crisis Communication, the general’s account reignited public confidence in the military’s relentless campaign against banditry. Operations such as Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East and Operation Whirl Punch in the North-West have sustained pressure on criminal networks, destroying camps and eliminating key leaders. Despite occasional incidents of collateral damage, the effectiveness of airstrikes has forced bandits to adopt desperate defensive measures – including using human shields. However, Tsiga’s warning about insider collaborators suggests that military action alone will not suffice, and that the networks of informants, financiers, and logistics suppliers that sustain banditry must also be dismantled through intelligence-driven operations and community engagement.

Now reunited with his family, Tsiga reflected on his release with profound gratitude while urging Nigerians to remain resilient in the fight against insecurity. He recalled that when they brought him out, he asked himself if he was still a human being. He called on his military colleagues to remain steadfast, describing the security challenge as one that will prepare the nation for a stronger future, noting that they were there 20 years ago doing the same thing and that it is a challenge, but a very good challenge that will prepare their future. As communities across Nigeria grapple with escalating insecurity, Tsiga’s message is clear: the military is making progress, bandits are terrified of air power, and citizens must play their part in providing intelligence to end the menace.

Bandits Fear Death, Not God, Says Ex-NYSC DG Tsiga After 56-Day Captivity