Lagos Govt Denies Appeal Clearance, Confirms Baba Ijesha Added to S*x Offenders’ Register
The Lagos State Government has officially debunked widespread reports claiming that Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, was cleared of his conviction by the Court of Appeal.
Baba Ijesha, who was convicted in 2021 for s*xually assaulting a 14-year-old girl, recently completed his prison sentence. His case resurfaced after rumours spread online alleging that the Court of Appeal had overturned his conviction.
In a statement issued on Saturday, November 17, the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), dismissed the reports as “false, misleading and irresponsible.”
Pedro stressed that the conviction remains valid, warning that the misinformation circulating on social media was capable of misleading the public and stirring unnecessary controversy.
Further reinforcing this position, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) released a post on X on Sunday, confirming that Baba Ijesha’s name had been officially entered into the Lagos State S*x Offenders’ Register, in line with Section 37 of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law of 2021.
The agency quoted the Attorney-General as saying:
“Mr Olanrewaju James was not cleared of the offences of sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child.”
The government also issued a warning to Nollywood actor Yomi Fabiyi and others amplifying the false claim to desist immediately and avoid misleading the public.
According to the DSVA, the inclusion of Baba Ijesha’s name in the register is part of Lagos State’s ongoing commitment to protect minors, ensure accountability, and uphold transparency in sexual-offence cases.
Opinion: A Victory for Accountability — and a Warning Against Digital Falsehoods
This development is more than just a correction of fake news; it is a reinforcement of the importance of justice, accountability, and the protection of minors.
In an era where misinformation spreads faster than facts, the quick response by the Lagos State Government sends a strong message: survivors matter, and their cases cannot be erased by careless rumours or celebrity narratives.
Baba Ijesha’s crime was not a matter of opinion—it was a court-established violation against a child. The decision to place his name on the s*x offenders’ register ensures that society never forgets the gravity of that offense, regardless of the noise on social media.
More importantly, it ensures future generations understand that fame does not equal immunity. Actions carry consequences, and sexual offences—especially against minors—must never be trivialised in the court of public opinion.
This is a reminder that while forgiveness may exist, accountability must remain. And in the fight against abuse, clarity is not optional; it is a necessity.
If anything, this incident shows that protecting children should never compete with popularity or propaganda. The law must always win.
