Lawal Pedro (SAN), the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, has refuted internet rumors that Nollywood star Olanrewaju James, better known by his stage name Baba Ijesha, was let free after being “cleared” by the Court of Appeal.
Pedro called the reports, which were first relayed by actor Yomi Fabiyi and then replicated by an online outlet, “false, misleading, and irresponsible” in an interview with media in Lagos on Sunday.
He said the allegations could mislead the public and amounted to a misrepresentation of court documents.
Pedro stressed that the Court of Appeal did not absolve Baba Ijesha of the sexual offenses for which he was found guilty in 2022, despite claims made on social media.
“Mr. Olanrewaju James was not cleared of the offenses of indecent treatment of a child and sexual assault,” he declared.
The explanation came after Fabiyi claimed that the appeal court had called the entire case a “charade,” according to the Attorney-General.
Pedro described the case’s whole legal proceedings on July 14, 2022: Baba Ijesha was found guilty by the Lagos State High Court of sexual assault and indecent treatment of a minor based on events that took place in 2021. He was given concurrent sentences of three years and five years.
June 28, 2024: The Court of Appeal affirmed the conviction and sentence for the 2021 sexual assault but overturned convictions for alleged crimes from 2013 to 2014.
29 May 2025: Due to inefficiency, Baba Ijesha’s Supreme Court appeal was dismissed.
October 9, 2025: The Court of Appeal ruling was upheld after his request for permission to launch a further appeal was denied.
Pedro emphasized that the actor’s release was not the result of an acquittal but rather of serving out his entire sentence.
He denounced Yomi Fabiyi and those disseminating the false information, cautioning that doing so might incite unwarranted anxiety and confusion among the populace.
Citing Section 39 of the Lagos Criminal Law, he stated that the Office of the Attorney-General would not think twice about prosecuting the dissemination of false information meant to frighten the people.
He emphasized the state’s steadfast dedication to protecting children and upholding criminal convictions while urging the public to ignore the false accusations.
Pedro reaffirmed Lagos’ commitment to protecting children and guaranteeing fair representation of court decisions.
He continued by saying that no person or platform should spread unsubstantiated allegations in order to minimize crimes against minors.
