Nollywood actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has regained his freedom and returned to public life, a development that has stirred renewed debate around the high-profile case that led to his incarceration
Reacting to his release, actor and human-rights advocate Yomi Fabiyi issued a detailed statement celebrating Baba Ijesha’s return, describing him as “free and out” and insisting that the Court of Appeal had cleared him of allegations of child defilement.
Fabiyi, who has long maintained that Baba Ijesha was unfairly targeted, alleged that the case was built on “sentiments, manipulation and falsehood,” arguing that the legal process had been tainted by irregularities.
In his public address, Fabiyi outlined a series of claims about the investigation and the parties involved. According to him, the circumstances leading to Baba Ijesha’s arrest were “a setup designed to destroy a weak target.”
Among the issues he raised were:
1. Questions Over Victim’s Age
Fabiyi alleged that there was no conclusive documentation presented in court confirming that the alleged victim was 14 years old at the time of the incident. He claimed the age issue was “weaponised” to strengthen the accusations.
2. Alleged Selective Prosecution
The actor accused a man identified as Damola Adekola, described as Princess’s neighbour and security aide, of engaging in sexual relations with the girl. He claimed Adekola was initially arrested alongside Baba Ijesha but was later released without explanation.
3. Claims of Grooming and Negligence
Fabiyi further alleged that the comedienne Princess, guardian of the minor, failed in her duty of care and was responsible for grooming the girl for inappropriate activities. He added that forensic evidence reportedly showed sperm on the girl that did not belong to Baba Ijesha.
4. Allegations of Child Pornography
He claimed that the installation of cameras on the day Baba Ijesha was invited to Princess’s home amounted to creating child pornography, since the girl was knowingly recorded in a compromising situation.
5. Psychological Impact on the Minor
Fabiyi also accused Princess of subjecting the girl to retraumatization by exposing her to repeated acts meant to obtain evidence, insisting that such actions violated the child’s rights.
Fabiyi clarified that his organization “will never condone sexual abuse,” especially against minors, but argued that the Baba Ijesha case represented a “failure of due process” and “selective justice.” He insisted that several aspects of the investigation and prosecution must be revisited.
As of the time of this report, Princess has not publicly responded to the latest allegations.
The development marks a new chapter in a case that has divided public opinion for years and continues to raise questions about victim protection, media trials, and the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria.
