Nollywood Actor Baba Ijesha to Serve 5 Years in Prison for Se-xual Assault

Court of Appeal Upholds Baba Ijesha's 5-Year Sentence for Sexual Assault

The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal has reaffirmed the conviction of Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old minor. The court upheld the sentencing of Baba Ijesha to five years in prison, as handed down by the Lagos State High Court.

In its lead judgment, delivered by Justice Folashade Ojo, the Court of Appeal found Baba Ijesha guilty on counts 4 and 5, which involved indecently touching and sexually assaulting a minor. The judgment was concurred by Justices Abdullahi Bayero and Paul Bassi.

Baba Ijesha's conviction stems from a July 14, 2022, judgment by the Lagos State High Court. The Court of Appeal's decision upholds the original conviction, with the sentences for counts 4 and 5 to run concurrently.

This ruling marks a significant milestone in the case, which has drawn widespread attention and sparked important conversations about sexual assault and accountability in Nigeria's entertainment industry.