Nollywood actor Yomi Fabiyi has announced the release of fellow actor Olarenwaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, after completing his jail term.
In a post shared on his Facebook page, Fabiyi stated that Baba Ijesha is now “officially free and out,” adding that the actor has “returned better.” He further claimed that an appellate court had cleared Baba Ijesha of certain allegations related to the high-profile case. The appeals process and details of such ruling, however, have not been independently confirmed by the newspaper as of press time.
Fabiyi used the statement to reiterate his long-standing criticisms of the circumstances surrounding the case, alleging procedural irregularities and questioning the conduct of individuals involved in the matter. He outlined several claims regarding the investigation, handling of evidence, and actions of persons connected to the case. These claims could not be immediately verified.
He emphasised that his human rights advocacy work is aimed at promoting fairness and due process, stating that he and his organisation “do not and will never condone any form of sexual abuse, especially involving minors.”
Fabiyi insisted that his intervention has always been rooted in concerns about alleged “selective justice” and what he described as inconsistencies surrounding the case.
Baba Ijesha was convicted in 2022 by a Lagos court on charges relating to the sexual assault of a minor and was sentenced to a term of imprisonment.
Authorities and other parties mentioned in Fabiyi’s statement have yet to formally respond to the latest claims.
