Nollywood Star Baba Ijesha Freed After Appeal Court Clears Him

A well-known actor in Nigeria’s film world has walked free from jail after higher judges threw out his guilty ruling on claims of harming a young girl. Olanrewaju James, better known as Baba Ijesha, had spent time behind bars since his 2021 arrest.

Back in July 2022, a court in Lagos found him guilty on several charges of unwanted touching of a 14-year-old girl. He got 16 years in prison for the acts.

But the appeal court stepped in and overturned that decision, setting him loose. A clip that spread quickly online showed the actor in a car soon after getting out. He sounded glad in a short chat, saying in local tongue: “I’m free now… I just got out. I need a break. I wanted to get away from here, so I called to let you know. Thanks for standing by me. I’ll ring you soon.”

A fellow actor and close mate, Yomi Fabiyi, shared the good news on his social page. He said the court’s call brings true sense to a case that went wrong from the start. Fabiyi called on everyone and leaders to treat such heavy claims with real care, sticking to fair steps and guarding people’s rights, especially when kids are involved.

He wrapped up by saying the star is not only home but stronger, while making clear that no one backs bad acts against the young or anyone weak. The focus, he added, stays on real fairness and keeping basic freedoms safe.