Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, has categorically refuted widespread social media reports suggesting that Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, was cleared of all charges by the Court of Appeal.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Pedro described the circulating reports as “false, misleading, and irresponsible,” emphasizing that they distort the official court record and could misinform the public about the judicial process. He said the false narrative appears to have gained traction following a social media post by actor Yomi Fabiyi, which was later republished by an online platform. The post misleadingly claimed that the appellate court had exonerated Baba Ijesha and implied that the prosecution was baseless.
Pedro clarified that no such clearance occurred at any stage of the judicial proceedings. He provided a detailed chronology of the case, explaining that the High Court of Lagos State had convicted Baba Ijesha on July 14, 2022, for sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child, stemming from offences committed in 2021. The court handed down concurrent sentences of five years and three years for the offences.
While the Court of Appeal did overturn convictions related to alleged offences dating back to 2013 and 2014, the appellate court upheld the 2021 conviction in its judgment delivered on June 28, 2024. Subsequent attempts to appeal to the Supreme Court were either struck out for being incompetent (May 29, 2025) or dismissed upon seeking permission to file a fresh appeal (October 9, 2025). Consequently, the Court of Appeal’s decision affirming the 2021 conviction remains the final and binding judgment in the matter.
Pedro emphasized that Baba Ijesha’s recent release from custody was solely due to the completion of his prison term, not an acquittal or discharge. “Mr. Olanrewaju James was not cleared of the offences of sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child,” the Attorney-General stated unequivocally.
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He further warned the public and online personalities, including Fabiyi, that continued dissemination of misinformation could attract criminal prosecution under Section 39 of the Lagos Criminal Law, which criminalizes the spread of false news intended to cause fear, alarm, or public confusion.
Beyond the legal clarification, Pedro stressed the broader societal implications of spreading false narratives about sensitive cases involving child abuse. He noted that misrepresenting judicial outcomes not only undermines the legal system but also risks eroding public trust in the justice process.
“The state government remains committed to child protection, strict enforcement of criminal convictions, and ensuring that Nigerians are accurately informed about judicial proceedings,” Pedro said.
He urged citizens to rely on verified information from official government and court channels and to exercise caution when engaging with viral social media content, especially regarding ongoing or sensitive legal matters.
The Attorney-General concluded by reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable populations, ensuring justice for victims, and maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s judicial system.
