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The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, has firmly denied circulating reports suggesting that Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, regained his freedom because the Court of Appeal declared him innocent. Pedro condemned the claims as entirely fabricated, stressing that they misrepresent the judicial process and distort the facts of the case.
Speaking during a press briefing in Lagos on Sunday, Pedro expressed deep concern about a social media post made by actor Yomi Fabiyi, who alleged that Baba Ijesha had been vindicated of all charges relating to the sexual assault of a minor. Pedro described Fabiyi’s assertions as not only false but irresponsible, noting that such posts have the potential to create confusion within the public and erode trust in the justice system.
According to him, the claims amount to “a gross misrepresentation of court proceedings and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.” He emphasized that the Lagos State Government had followed due process throughout the prosecution and that no court had overturned the conviction for the 2021 offence.
To provide clarity, Pedro outlined the case’s timeline from its inception to its final legal conclusion. He explained that on July 14, 2022, the Lagos State High Court found Baba Ijesha guilty of sexual assault and the indecent treatment of a child. These charges stemmed from incidents that took place in 2021. The court then sentenced him to five years and three years, respectively, with the sentences running concurrently.
Pedro noted that the actor subsequently appealed the judgment. The Court of Appeal delivered its ruling on June 28, 2024, and while it discharged the actor of charges related to alleged incidents from 2013 and 2014 due to insufficient evidence, the court upheld both the conviction and sentence for the 2021 sexual assault, affirming that the High Court acted within the confines of the law.
The Attorney-General continued by explaining that Baba Ijesha did not stop there. He approached the Supreme Court in an effort to overturn the verdict, but his appeal was struck out on May 29, 2025, for being incompetent. When the actor attempted to file a new appeal through a fresh application, that request was also denied on October 9, 2025. With this dismissal, the appellate court’s decision became final and binding.
Pedro stressed that Baba Ijesha’s release was strictly because he had completed the prison term that was upheld by the Court of Appeal, not because he had been discharged or found innocent. He described any narrative implying that the actor was cleared of wrongdoing as completely inaccurate.
In his words, “Mr Olanrewaju James was never exonerated of sexual assault or the indecent treatment of a child.” He added that Fabiyi’s claims were baseless, misleading, and capable of stirring unnecessary public unrest.
The Attorney-General urged members of the public to disregard the misleading posts and instead rely on verified information from credible sources, especially when matters involve legal proceedings. He also issued a stern warning to Fabiyi and media platforms that continue to circulate the false reports, cautioning them to stop immediately to prevent further misinformation.
Pedro made it clear that the Ministry of Justice would not overlook attempts to distort the truth or cause panic. He reminded the public that spreading false information with the intent to create fear, confusion, or unrest is punishable under Section 39 of the Lagos Criminal Law, and stated that the ministry “will not hesitate to prosecute anyone found publishing false information with the intent to cause fear or alarm.”
The Attorney-General concluded by reiterating that the justice system had thoroughly addressed the case and followed due process at every stage. He noted that the final judgment remains in force and that the actor’s release does not erase the court’s findings or the legal consequences of the offences for which he was convicted.
With his remarks, Pedro sought to restore clarity and prevent the distortion of sensitive legal matters, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and cautious about the information they consume and share online.
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