Lagos Government Confirms Baba Ijesha Remains Convicted, Added Officially To State Sex Offenders’ Register List

 

The Lagos State Government has officially confirmed that popular Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, widely known as Baba Ijesha, has been added to the Lagos State Sex Offenders’ Register. This development follows the completion of his prison sentence for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old minor, reinforcing the state’s commitment to protecting vulnerable children and ensuring accountability.

Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, addressed circulating reports suggesting that Baba Ijesha had been cleared of his conviction by the Court of Appeal, describing such claims as “false, misleading, and irresponsible.” He stressed that the conviction, which dates back to 2021, remains valid and that the actor’s inclusion in the official sex offenders’ register is both lawful and necessary.

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency also reiterated the government’s position, emphasizing that the information being circulated on social media and other platforms was untrue. A post shared on X on November 16 reinforced the Attorney-General’s statement, confirming that Baba Ijesha’s name has been officially entered into the state register. The agency underlined that this measure is intended to support ongoing efforts to safeguard minors, strengthen public trust in justice processes, and ensure accurate information reaches residents.

Mr. Pedro addressed the public directly, urging residents to disregard the unfounded claims and cautioning those responsible for spreading misinformation. He particularly named Fabiyi, who had allegedly propagated the false narrative, warning that continuing to amplify such unverified stories could mislead the public and incite unnecessary alarm. The Attorney-General emphasized that Baba Ijesha was not cleared of charges related to sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child, and any contrary reports were wholly inaccurate.

The inclusion of Baba Ijesha on the Lagos State Sex Offenders’ Register aligns with Section 37 of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law 2021. This legislation provides the legal framework for maintaining a registry of convicted sex offenders, reflecting a broader state initiative to protect children and vulnerable groups. By ensuring that individuals who have committed sexual offenses are officially listed, the government aims to promote accountability, deter future offenses, and enhance the safety of the community.

Public reaction to the confirmation has been significant, with many residents expressing support for the government’s proactive measures to ensure justice and prevent the spread of misinformation. Advocates for child protection have welcomed the move, highlighting the importance of transparency and consistent enforcement of laws designed to protect minors from sexual abuse.

The Lagos State Government’s firm stance signals a continued commitment to upholding justice and maintaining accurate records for the protection of society’s most vulnerable members, reinforcing the message that sexual offenses, particularly those involving children, will not be tolerated.