Baba Ijesha Was Not Freed by Appeal Court — He Completed His Jail Term, Says Barr. Festus Ogun

Human rights lawyer, Barrister Festus Ogun, has clarified widespread misconceptions surrounding the release of Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha. Contrary to trending claims suggesting that the Appeal Court nullified his conviction, Barr. Ogun stated that no such judgment was delivered.

According to him, Baba Ijesha was not discharged or acquitted by any appellate ruling. Rather, he completed the full term of the lawful prison sentence handed down by the trial court, after which he was released in accordance with correctional procedures.

“The Appeal Court did not nullify Baba Ijesha’s conviction. He fully served his lawful prison sentence. Upon completion of his term, he was released,” Ogun said, addressing the misinformation circulating online.

The lawyer explained that it is important for the public to rely on verified legal information and avoid spreading inaccurate reports capable of misleading the public or undermining judicial processes.

Baba Ijesha was convicted in 2022 on charges relating to the sexual assault of a minor, a case that drew national attention and generated conversations about child protection, celebrity culture, and the justice system in Nigeria.

His release, Ogun stressed, is strictly a result of completing the custodial sentence imposed by the court, not a judicial overturn of the conviction.

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Emmanuel Femi Adedayo

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