Nigerian actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has been released from prison after more than three years in custody, following a ruling by the Appeal Court that cleared him of allegations of sexual assault involving a minor.
The actor walked out of custody on Friday, November 14, 2025, marking a dramatic turning point in a case that has dominated public discourse in Nigeria since 2021.
His release was first confirmed publicly by fellow actor Yomi Fabiyi, who took to Instagram to celebrate the Appeal Court’s decision and Baba Ijesha’s return home.
Fabiyi wrote: “You are now officially FREE AND OUT. Baba Ijesha is not just back but BETTER. I am also happy you were cleared by the APPEAL COURT of ever having sex/defile any child/minor. The 7-year-old story is a charade. We live in a terrible world, where sentiments and wickedness rise above the rule of law and truth.”
Baba Ijesha had been convicted on July 14, 2022, by the Lagos State High Court and sentenced to 16 years in prison for offences relating to the alleged assault of a 14-year-old girl. The case ignited widespread public outrage at the time.
