Olanrewaju Omiyinka, the Nollywood actor popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has spoken publicly for the first time since regaining his freedom, stating that human beings can be “more wicked than venomous snakes.”

The actor made the remark three months after completing his prison sentence in a Lagos correctional facility over allegations of sexual assault brought against him by fellow entertainer Damilola Adekoya.

Baba Ijesha was released in November 2025 after serving a five-year prison term following the 2021 case that drew widespread attention across Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

Speaking through a viral music video, the actor shared his version of events, insisting that the situation that led to his imprisonment was a set-up orchestrated by someone he once trusted.

According to him, the incident began when Princess, whom he described as a close friend, allegedly invited him to her residence on April 21, 2021, promising to prepare his favourite meal and discuss a movie role that would present him in a different light.

The actor claimed that when he arrived, he met unfamiliar individuals and began rehearsing for what he believed was a film role, only to later realize that there was no movie project and that the situation had been arranged to implicate him.

“My trust was betrayed, I ended up in Kirikiri prison because of a woman,” he said in the video, adding that he believes he was deliberately framed.

He further warned fans and the public to be cautious in their relationships, stating that betrayal often comes from people one considers friends.

“Please my fans be careful with friends. They cannot be trusted. The world is evil and human beings are more wicked than venomous snakes,” he added.

Opinion: A Case That Still Divides Public Opinion

The Baba Ijesha case remains one of the most controversial legal battles to emerge from Nollywood in recent years. Even after his release, the situation continues to spark intense debate among Nigerians.

For some observers, his public statement is an attempt to clear his name and reclaim his reputation after years of public condemnation. For others, the legal outcome of the case should remain the defining reference point.

What is clear is that the incident highlighted serious issues within the entertainment industry — including trust, accountability, and the protection of minors.

As Baba Ijesha attempts to rebuild his life and career, the court of public opinion may prove even tougher than the legal one he has already faced. In an era where social media shapes narratives quickly, public figures involved in sensitive cases often find that their reputations remain under scrutiny long after the courtroom doors close.