Baba Ijesha Officially Added to Lagos Sex Offenders Register

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Authorities in Lagos State have formally included Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, widely known as Baba Ijesha, in the state’s official register of convicted sex offenders following the completion of his prison sentence.

The development was confirmed by state officials who explained that the actor’s release from custody does not erase the court’s findings against him. His criminal record related to sexual offences remains valid despite the completion of his jail term.

According to Gossip News Now, government agencies clarified that being added to the public register is part of a legal process designed to promote transparency and protect vulnerable members of society, especially minors.

Baba Ijesha served a five-year sentence after a Lagos court found him guilty of offences connected to sexual assault and inappropriate conduct involving a teenage girl.

Details of the Court Ruling

The judgment delivered by the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja in 2022 involved multiple counts tied to the case. The sentencing structure included different prison terms assigned to several charges.

The punishment was structured as follows:

Two of the charges attracted five-year prison sentences
Another two counts resulted in three-year jail terms
All sentences were ordered to run simultaneously

Because the punishments ran concurrently rather than consecutively, the actor ultimately spent five years in prison.

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) also addressed rumours circulating online suggesting that the actor had been cleared of all charges. The agency dismissed those claims as inaccurate and warned that spreading such misinformation could attract legal consequences.

Officials referenced Section 39 of the Lagos Criminal Law, which outlines penalties for the deliberate circulation of false information that could mislead the public.

Appeals and Legal Challenges

The legal battle surrounding the case continued even after the initial judgment. The actor pursued multiple appeals in an attempt to overturn the conviction.

Key legal developments included:

The Court of Appeal setting aside earlier convictions linked to older cases from 2013 and 2014
However, the appellate court upheld the sexual assault verdicts from 2021
A further appeal to the Supreme Court was dismissed
A later request seeking permission to file a fresh appeal was also rejected

These rulings effectively confirmed the validity of the convictions related to the 2021 offences.

How the Case Began

The incident first gained national attention in April 2021 when a video circulated online showing the actor allegedly assaulting a minor.

The matter was reported to law enforcement authorities by the victim’s foster mother, comedienne Damilola Adekoya, popularly known as Princess.

Following the report, police launched an investigation that eventually led to Baba Ijesha’s arrest and prosecution.

During the trial, both sides presented evidence and testimony in court. The proceedings included statements from six witnesses for the prosecution and four witnesses representing the defence.

At the end of the trial, the judge delivered a verdict that found the actor guilty on four counts involving sexual assault and indecent conduct, while two other charges were dismissed.

Inclusion in the Offenders Register

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency confirmed that Baba Ijesha’s name has now been officially entered into the Lagos Sex Offenders Register.

Authorities explained that the database is designed to ensure transparency and help safeguard communities by providing verified information about individuals convicted of sexual offences.

Commentary and Analysis

The addition of Baba Ijesha to the sex offenders register reflects the Lagos State Government’s broader strategy to strengthen public awareness and accountability in cases involving sexual crimes.

Sex offender registries are often introduced to protect vulnerable populations and to ensure that accurate records of convictions remain accessible to relevant authorities and the public.

The case itself became one of Nigeria’s most widely discussed legal proceedings involving a celebrity, sparking debates about child protection, justice, and the influence of public figures.

For many observers, the final outcome reinforces the principle that completion of a prison sentence does not erase a criminal record, particularly in cases involving serious offences against minors.