Baba Ijesha Added to Lagos State Sex Offenders’ Register Despite Release
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has confirmed that Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has been officially added to the Lagos State Sex Offenders’ Register following his conviction for sexually assaulting a minor. Baba Ijesha was convicted in 2021 for assaulting a 14-year-old girl and has served his prison sentence. Shortly after his release on Saturday, he was seen resting in a vehicle. The Lagos State Government, through Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Lawal Pedro, SAN, denied reports suggesting that the Court of Appeal had cleared the actor. Pedro described the circulating claims as “false, misleading, and irresponsible,” reaffirming that the conviction remains valid. In a statement on X on Sunday, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency reiterated the government’s position, quoting Pedro: “Mr Olanrewaju James was not cleared of the offences of sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child.” The agency also warned that claims promoted by actor Yomi Fabiyi were “wholly untrue and capable of alarming the public” and advised residents to disregard them. Pedro explained that Section 37 of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law 2021 requires that Baba Ijesha’s name be entered into the sex offenders’ register. “This measure supports ongoing efforts to protect minors, strengthen accountability, and ensure that accurate information is available to the public,” he said. The decision to add the actor to the register follows public calls from Nollywood actress Damilola Adekoya, also known as Princess, who urged authorities during a live Instagram session on Saturday to ensure Baba Ijesha was listed.
