Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Nigerian actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has reignited public debate surrounding his sexual assault conviction after releasing a new song in which he maintains that the case that led to his imprisonment was orchestrated by fellow entertainer Damilola Adekoya, widely known as comedian Princess. The track, released recently and circulating widely online, contains lyrics in which the actor recounts his version of events and insists the incident that resulted in his prosecution was deliberately arranged to implicate him.
In the song, Baba Ijesha narrates that he received an invitation from Princess to visit her residence for a meal and to discuss the possibility of participating in a movie project. According to the account presented in the lyrics, he said he believed he had been invited for professional reasons connected to the film industry. He claims that upon arriving at the residence, he was asked to rehearse a scene involving a young character, believing it was part of a script rehearsal for an upcoming production.
The actor alleges in the song that the situation was secretly recorded and that individuals suddenly appeared during the interaction, accusing him of misconduct. He describes the event as a betrayal and repeatedly suggests that the incident was carefully planned to damage his reputation and career within Nigeria’s entertainment industry. The song portrays the actor’s experience as a personal ordeal that led to his arrest, public disgrace and eventual imprisonment.
These claims directly challenge the outcome of a criminal trial that concluded in July 2022 at the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja. During the proceedings, the court convicted Baba Ijesha on multiple counts related to the sexual assault and indecent treatment of a minor. Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo delivered the judgement after several months of hearings in which prosecutors presented witness testimony and video evidence connected to the case.
The actor had been formally charged on June 24, 2021, with a six-count indictment that included indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by penetration under Lagos State criminal law. After reviewing the evidence, the court found him guilty on four counts while acquitting him on two others. He was subsequently sentenced to a total of sixteen years’ imprisonment, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently.
The case first became widely known in April 2021 when a video clip allegedly showing the actor engaging in inappropriate conduct with a minor surfaced online and quickly spread across social media platforms. The incident was reported to authorities by Princess, who said the victim was her foster daughter. Following the report, officers from the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti, Yaba, arrested Baba Ijesha and began a formal investigation into the allegations.
During the trial, prosecutors relied heavily on video footage and witness testimony presented in court. Princess testified that surveillance cameras installed in her residence captured evidence of the incident, which investigators later used as part of the prosecution’s case. The proceedings attracted intense public attention across Nigeria, particularly within the film industry, where the case sparked discussions about child protection, accountability and professional conduct.
Throughout the trial process, Baba Ijesha maintained that he was innocent of the allegations and denied committing the offences he was charged with. His legal team challenged aspects of the prosecution’s case and questioned the interpretation of the evidence presented. Despite these arguments, the court ultimately ruled that the evidence was sufficient to establish guilt on several counts.
The judgement represented one of the most high-profile sexual offence convictions involving a public figure in Nigeria’s entertainment sector. It also intensified ongoing debates about safeguarding children and the responsibilities of individuals working within the film and creative industries.
After spending time in custody following the conviction, Baba Ijesha was eventually released after serving part of his prison term. Authorities clarified that his release did not overturn the court’s ruling but occurred in line with procedures governing the completion of custodial sentences and correctional administration. The development generated fresh public discussion at the time, particularly among advocates concerned with issues of sexual violence and child protection.
In addition to the prison sentence, the Lagos State Government confirmed that Baba Ijesha’s name was entered into the state’s official register of sex offenders, a database created to document individuals convicted of sexual offences under state law. The measure forms part of broader efforts by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency to strengthen monitoring and accountability in cases involving abuse.
Princess has consistently defended her role in reporting the incident and has continued to advocate publicly for stronger protections for children and survivors of abuse. Following reports of Baba Ijesha’s release, she reiterated calls for authorities to maintain strict enforcement of the sex offenders register and to ensure that justice processes remain transparent and effective.
The release of the actor’s new song has once again brought the controversy back into public conversation. Across social media platforms and entertainment circles, Nigerians have reacted with mixed opinions, with some individuals interpreting the song as an attempt by the actor to present his perspective after years of legal proceedings, while others point to the court’s verdict as the definitive conclusion of the case.
Despite the renewed debate sparked by the song, the legal outcome of the case remains unchanged. The court’s judgement, delivered in 2022 after extensive hearings, continues to stand as the official resolution of the matter within Nigeria’s judicial system.
For many observers, the controversy highlights the lasting impact that high-profile criminal cases can have on both individuals and industries. The renewed attention generated by Baba Ijesha’s song demonstrates how unresolved public sentiment can persist long after legal proceedings have ended, particularly when the case involves widely known personalities and sensitive issues such as child protection and sexual offences.
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