Nollywood actor Olarenwaju Omiyinka, widely known as Baba Ijesha, has been released from prison following a Court of Appeal decision overturning his conviction for the sexual assault of a minor.
PUNCH Online previously reported that the actor was arrested in 2021 and, in July 2022, was sentenced to 16 years in prison by the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja after being found guilty on multiple counts relating to the assault of a 14-year-old girl.
In a video circulating on Saturday and obtained by our correspondent, Baba Ijesha was seen seated in a vehicle shortly after regaining his freedom, expressing relief and saying he needed rest.
In a brief phone call captured in the clip, he said in Yoruba, “Apase, I’m out… I just came out. I want to relax. I just want to leave here so I decided to inform you. Thank you for supporting me. I will call you.”
Confirming the development, Nollywood actor and activist Yomi Fabiyi welcomed the Appeal Court’s judgment in an Instagram post, describing the ruling as one that brought clarity to what he called a mishandled case.
Fabiyi said the decision “clears” the actor and urged both the public and authorities to approach sensitive allegations with caution.
“He is not just back but better,” he wrote, adding that the prolonged legal process highlighted the importance of “fairness, due process and protection of rights in all cases involving minors.”
He further emphasised his stance against abuse.
“We never and will never condone or support any form of sexual abuse, let alone on children or minors. We will continue to advocate for justice and protection of fundamental human rights,” he stated.
It was gathered that the Appeal Court, in its judgment, held that the evidence presented during the trial was insufficient to uphold the earlier conviction, resulting in Baba Ijesha’s release.
