By Peter Dansu Nollywood actor and human rights advocate Yomi Fabiyi has revealed how his embattled colleague Olanrewaju James, popularly ...
By Peter Dansu
Nollywood actor and human rights advocate Yomi Fabiyi has revealed how his embattled colleague Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, finally regained his freedom after years of legal battles over allegations of defiling a minor.
Baba Ijesha was arrested in 2021 after comedian Princess accused him of sexually assaulting her foster daughter. He was later convicted and sentenced, a judgment that sparked heated debates across the entertainment industry and among the public. While many condemned the actor, Fabiyi insisted from the beginning that his colleague was wrongly accused and unfairly treated.
According to Fabiyi, the turning point came at the Court of Appeal, where the conviction was overturned, setting Baba Ijesha free. The actor announced the development in a lengthy post on his verified Facebook page, celebrating what he described as a victory for truth and justice.
In his words, Baba Ijesha is now “officially free and out” and has returned “not just back but better.” He added that he was relieved that the appellate court cleared the actor of accusations of sexually assaulting or defiling a minor.
Fabiyi went on to list a number of issues he believes tainted the original case, describing the controversy as a seven–year “charade.” He claimed that those who set the trap manipulated the minor’s age and that there was no solid proof in court that the girl was 14 at the time of the incident.
He also alleged that another individual, whom he described as a neighbour and close ally of Princess, was initially arrested for allegedly having a sexual relationship with the girl but was later released, raising questions he believes were ignored during investigations.
Fabiyi further accused Princess of negligence and misconduct, claiming that evidence found during the case contradicted the accusations against Baba Ijesha. He also alleged that recording the girl on camera during the setup amounted to child exploitation and retraumatization.
Despite the strong allegations, Fabiyi stressed that his human rights group does not support any form of sexual assault and would never defend an offender. However, he insisted the fight was about ensuring fairness and preventing what he described as “selective justice and organised manipulation.”
He concluded by saying the ruling has vindicated their long struggle, reiterating that the actions leading to Baba Ijesha’s initial conviction were flawed and unjust.
As reactions continue to pour in across social media, the case once again stirs conversations around child protection, fair investigation processes, and public trials fuelled by online outrage.
For now, Baba Ijesha walks free, and his supporters see the judgment as a long-awaited correction of a painful legal journey.
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