- Baba Ijesha reportedly freed after the Appeal Court overturned his conviction.
- Viral clip shows the Nollywood actor in a vehicle, looking relieved after release.
- Yomi Fabiyi says the Appeal Court ruling brings clarity to a “mishandled case.”
- The Actor expresses gratitude and says he needs rest after years of legal battles.
Nollywood actor Olarenwaju James, widely known as Baba Ijesha, has reportedly been released from prison following a Court of Appeal decision that upturned his earlier conviction for the alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl.
The actor was arrested in 2021, and by July 2022, the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja handed him a 16-year sentence after finding him guilty on multiple charges linked to the assault case. The judgment triggered heavy public debate at the time, with strong opinions on both sides.
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On Saturday, a short video began circulating online showing a man believed to be Baba Ijesha seated inside a vehicle moments after his release. In the clip, he looked exhausted but relieved, speaking briefly on the phone and thanking those who stood by him. “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,” he said.
Although the authenticity of the video has not been independently confirmed, several Facebook, Instagram and X accounts reposted it, insisting the man in the footage is the actor.
Nollywood personality Yomi Fabiyi, a close friend of the actor, also reacted to the development. In a Friday Instagram post, he announced that the Appeal Court ruling had brought “clarity” to what he described as a mishandled and emotionally charged case. He stated that the decision “clears” the actor and highlights the need for fairness and due process, especially in matters involving minors.
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Fabiyi stressed that he does not support any form of abuse and that his activism has always centered on human rights. “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,” he added.
As reactions continue to pour in, Baba Ijesha appears focused on regaining stability after years marked by court proceedings, public scrutiny and controversy.
