Lagos govt lists Nollywood actor, Baba Ijesha on sex offenders’ register

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has confirmed that Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has been added to the Lagos State Sex Offenders’ Register following his conviction for sexually assaulting a juvenile.

Baba Ijesha was convicted in 2021 for assaulting a 14-year-old girl and served his prison sentence. On Saturday, he was seen sitting in a vehicle shortly after his release, saying he needed rest.

The Lagos State Government, through Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Lawal Pedro, SAN, denied reports that the Court of Appeal had cleared the actor.

Pedro described circulating claims as “false, misleading, and irresponsible,” stressing that the conviction remains valid.

In a post on X on Sunday, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency reiterated the government’s stance, quoting Pedro as saying, “Mr Olanrewaju James was not cleared of the offences of sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child.”

He warned that assertions promoted by actor Yomi Fabiyi were “wholly untrue and capable of alarming the public” and urged Lagos residents to disregard them.

“Section 37 of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law 2021 mandates that his 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,” Pedro said.

The actor’s addition to the register follows calls from Nollywood actress Damilola Adekoya, known as Princess, who had urged the state government to list Baba Ijesha during a live Instagram session on Saturday.