Nollywood actor Baba Ijesha, who was convicted in 2022 for sexually assaulting a minor, has reportedly regained his freedom after the Court of Appeal overturned the judgment.
In 2021, the actor became the centre of a major controversy following allegations that he assaulted a 14-year-old girl. The Lagos State High Court in Ikeja later found him guilty on multiple counts and sentenced him to 16 years in prison.
However, a short video shared on X by a TVC correspondent on Saturday showed the actor sounding relieved, believed to have been recorded shortly after his release. In the clip, he is heard speaking in Yoruba, saying:
“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.”
Nollywood actor and activist Yomi Fabiyi also reacted to the development on Instagram, welcoming the Appeal Court’s decision. He said the judgment brought clarity to what he described as a mishandled case and insisted that it “clears” the actor of the allegations.
“He is not just back but better,” Fabiyi wrote, stressing the importance of fairness, due process, and protecting the rights of all parties in cases involving minors. He also noted that, as a human rights advocate, he strongly opposes all forms of sexual abuse.
“We never and will never condone any form of sexual abuse, especially against children. We will continue to advocate for justice and protection of fundamental human rights,” he added.
According to reports, the Appeal Court ruled that the available evidence was not sufficient to uphold the earlier conviction, which led to Baba Ijesha’s release.
