Amid viral reports and social media speculations claiming that embattled Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has been released from prison, Nigeria’s independent fact-checking platform DUBAWA has debunked the information, describing it as false and misleading….CONTINUE FULL READING>>>
The misinformation began circulating after a short video clip surfaced online, appearing to show Baba Ijesha kneeling before the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
The clip quickly triggered a frenzy on social media, with many users interpreting it as evidence that the former actor had been released from jail—some even attributing his supposed release to royal intervention. But according to DUBAWA, the claim does not align with the facts.
DUBAWA’s Investigation Debunks Release Rumours
In its thorough investigation, DUBAWA contacted the Lagos State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) for verification. The correctional authorities firmly stated that Baba Ijesha is still in prison, serving the 16-year sentence handed down to him in 2022 following his conviction for sexually assaulting a minor.
The NCoS spokesperson noted that the viral video does not reflect a recent event linked to Baba Ijesha’s incarceration or any form of release arrangement. According to officials, no court order or legal directive has authorized his release, and he remains in lawful custody.
Background: Why Baba Ijesha Was Sentenced
Baba Ijesha’s legal troubles began in April 2021 when he was arrested for allegedly molesting a 14-year-old foster daughter of comedienne Princess. Following a widely publicized trial, he was found guilty of four out of six charges, including sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration, and indecent treatment of a child.
On July 14, 2022, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the Ikeja Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court sentenced Baba Ijesha to 16 years in prison. His conviction was hailed as a landmark ruling in Nigeria’s fight against child sexual abuse in the entertainment industry.
In June 2024, the Court of Appeal in Lagos upheld the ruling, reaffirming the original prison term and nullifying any lingering hopes of an early release or acquittal. This further reinforces the correctional service’s position that he remains in custody.
About the Viral Video Featuring the Ooni of Ife
The short video clip that sparked the rumours shows Baba Ijesha kneeling in reverence before the Ooni of Ife, sparking assumptions that he had been granted clemency or secured a release via royal connections. However, DUBAWA traced the footage and clarified that it was likely recorded before his incarceration or during a publicly accessible event prior to his arrest in 2021.
There is no evidence linking the video to any recent development regarding his imprisonment. The timing, setting, and context of the video do not suggest any connection to a release effort or intervention by the monarch.
The Dangers of Misinformation on Sensitive Legal Cases
The spread of such unverified and misleading information raises concerns about the ease with which fake news can distort public perception, especially in sensitive legal and social justice matters. Baba Ijesha’s case remains a serious issue tied to child protection and sexual violence, and misinformation may serve to diminish the gravity of the crime or cause trauma to survivors.
DUBAWA’s report emphasizes the importance of verifying information from credible and official sources before sharing. Misleading posts can undermine public trust in the justice system and the ongoing efforts to ensure accountability in Nigeria’s entertainment sector.
Baba Ijesha Is Still in Prison
After careful analysis of available evidence, review of court proceedings, and direct communication with the Nigerian Correctional Service,DUBAWA confirms that the claim about Baba Ijesha’s release is false. The actor remains in custody, serving his full 16-year sentence for sexually assaulting a minor.
Readers are advised to disregard viral social media posts suggesting otherwise and to always consult reputable fact-checking platforms such as DUBAWA for accurate and verified information….CONTINUE FULL READING>>>