The Lagos State Government has dismissed viral claims suggesting Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, popularly called Baba Ijesha, was cleared of all sexual offence charges by the Court of Appeal.

The rumour gained traction after actor Yomi Fabiyi announced on Friday, November 14, that the embattled comedian had supposedly regained freedom because an appellate court nullified his conviction. Fabiyi went further to describe the entire case as a “charade,” alleging a total exoneration.

But speaking with journalists in Lagos on Sunday, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, said the reports were not only false but capable of misleading the public. He described the narrative as “irresponsible” and a complete misrepresentation of the court’s records.

According to Pedro, the High Court of Lagos State had, on July 14, 2022, convicted Baba Ijesha for sexually assaulting a minor and for indecent treatment of a child, offences committed in 2021. He was sentenced to five and three years respectively both running concurrently.

The AG clarified that although the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, set aside older charges linked to incidents from 2013 to 2014, it fully upheld the 2021 conviction. That portion of the judgment, Pedro stressed, “remains untouched and valid.”

He added that attempts to challenge the ruling at the Supreme Court were unsuccessful. The first appeal was struck out on May 29, 2025, for incompetence, and a later application for leave to file a fresh appeal was dismissed on October 9, 2025. This left the Court of Appeal judgment affirming the 2021 conviction firmly in place.

Pedro explained that Baba Ijesha’s recent release was simply because he had completed his prison term, not because he was discharged or declared innocent.

“Mr Olanrewaju James was not cleared of sexual assault or indecent treatment of a child,” he emphasised.

He also cautioned Yomi Fabiyi and any media platforms spreading the falsehood to desist immediately, warning that the state is prepared to prosecute anyone publishing news intended to cause fear or public alarm, as provided under Section 39 of the Lagos Criminal Law.

Pedro reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s dedication to child protection, strict enforcement of criminal convictions, and ensuring that court judgments are accurately reported to the public.