The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has confirmed that Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has been added to the Lagos State Sex Offenders Register following his release from prison.
Baba Ijesha was convicted in 2021 for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and subsequently sentenced to jail. A widely circulated but unverified video seen on Saturday showed the actor sitting in a vehicle after his release, appearing relieved and stating that he needed rest.
The Lagos State Government’s clarification follows a PUNCH Online report in which the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), dismissed claims that the Court of Appeal had cleared the actor.
Pedro described the circulating assertions as “false, misleading and irresponsible,” insisting that Baba Ijesha’s conviction remains valid. He cautioned residents to disregard the misinformation being promoted online, especially by actor Yomi Fabiyi, whose claims he said were “wholly untrue and capable of alarming the public.”
In a statement shared on X on Sunday, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency reaffirmed the Attorney-General’s position, quoting him as saying: “Mr Olanrewaju James was not cleared of the offences of sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child.”
The agency added that in accordance with Section 37 of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law 2021, Baba Ijesha’s name has now been formally entered into the Lagos State Sex Offenders Register.
“This measure supports ongoing efforts to protect minors, strengthen accountability and ensure that accurate information is available to the public,” the agency noted.
Comedienne and actress Damilola Adekoya, popularly known as Princess, who was closely involved in the case, had earlier urged the state government to include the actor’s name in the register during a live Instagram session on November 15, 2025.
The confirmation marks a significant step in Lagos State’s push to enforce transparency and strengthen deterrence against sexual offences, particularly those involving minors.
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