Actor Baba Ijesha released from prison as Appeal Court overturns conviction

Story by Okafor Vivian 

Nollywood actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has been released from prison following a Court of Appeal judgment that overturned his conviction for the sexual assault of a minor.

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

A video circulating on Saturday and obtained by our correspondent captured the moment the comic actor regained his freedom. Sitting in a vehicle shortly after his release, he appeared relieved and said he needed time to rest.

In a brief phone conversation recorded in the clip, he was 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.”

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Confirming the development, actor and activist Yomi Fabiyi hailed the Appeal Court’s judgment in an Instagram post, describing it as a decision that brought clarity to what he believed was a mishandled case.

Fabiyi said the ruling “clears” Baba Ijesha and stressed the importance of handling sensitive allegations with care.

“He is not just back but better,” he wrote, adding that the prolonged legal tussle underscored the need for fairness, due process, and the protection of rights in cases involving minors.

He reiterated his stance against all forms of abuse, saying, “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 protection of fundamental human rights.”

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It was gathered that the Appeal Court held that the evidence tendered during the trial was insufficient to sustain the conviction, leading to the actor’s release.

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