Nollywood actor and activist Yomi Fabiyi has generated controversy following a lengthy Instagram post on Friday, in which he celebrated the release of fellow actor Baba Ijesha and raised allegations of irregularities in the high-profile child sexual assault case.
Fabiyi, who has been a vocal supporter of Baba Ijesha since his arrest in 2021, wrote, “You are now officially FREE AND OUT. Baba Ijesha is not just back but BETTER.” He further claimed that the Lagos Appeal Court cleared the actor of allegations of sexually assaulting a minor, describing the original case as a “charade.”
Baba Ijesha, born Olanrewaju James Omiyinka, was convicted in July 2022 for the sexual assault of a minor and sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty on four of six counts involving indecent treatment and sexual assault. The conviction was based on a CCTV video recorded in the home of comedian Damilola Adekoya (Princess), the victim’s foster mother.
In his post, Fabiyi outlined a series of allegations against people connected to the case. He claimed there was “no proof” the victim was 14 years old during the 2021 incident, suggesting the case had been “weaponised” against the actor. He also alleged that Damola Adekola, identified as a neighbour and associate of Princess, was not prosecuted despite “confessing” to a sexual relationship with the girl.
Fabiyi accused the comedian of grooming, child pornography, and re-traumatising the minor by installing cameras and recording the pre-arranged meeting with Baba Ijesha. He added, “Our human rights organisation never condones sexual abuse but will continue to fight selective justice and organised crime.”
He claimed the appeal court’s decision vindicated their position, though official details of the ruling remain limited.
Baba Ijesha was first arrested in April 2021 after a hidden CCTV camera allegedly captured him engaging in inappropriate behaviour with the minor, who had been previously abused at age seven. The Lagos Special Offences Court found him guilty of indecent treatment and sexual assault but acquitted him of charges requiring proof of penetration.
He was sentenced to a total of 16 years in prison, to run concurrently, effectively serving five years. In 2024, the Lagos Appeal Court reportedly upheld parts of his conviction while adjusting some counts.
Fabiyi’s post has reignited public debate over the case, drawing attention to the complexities and controversies surrounding high-profile child sexual abuse trials in Nigeria.
