The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency on Monday, 17 November, 2025 confirmed that Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has been added to the Lagos State Sex Offenders Register after completing his jail term for sexually assaulting a minor.
Thegazellenews.com recalled that the actor, convicted in 2021, was sentenced to jail for offences including the assault of a 14-year-old girl.
A widely circulated but unverified video on Saturday, 15 November, 2025 showed the actor seated in a vehicle shortly after his release, appearing relieved and saying he needed rest.
The update from the Lagos State Government through the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, dismissed claims that the actor had been cleared by the Court of Appeal.
Pedro described the circulating claims as “false, misleading and irresponsible,” stressing that the conviction still stands.
In a post shared on X on Sunday, 16 November, 2025, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency restated the government’s position, quoting the Attorney-General as saying: “Mr Olanrewaju James was not cleared of the offences of sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child.”
Pedro warned that the assertions being circulated by actor Yomi Fabiyi were “wholly untrue and capable of alarming the public.”
The Attorney-General asked Lagos residents and the wider public to disregard the false reports and cautioned Fabiyi and any platform promoting the claims to desist immediately.
The agency added that, “In line with Section 37 of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law 2021, his name has been duly 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.”
Thegazellenews.com recalled comedian and actress Damilola Adekoya, known as Princess, had earlier called on the state government and the Ministry of Justice to include the actor’s name in the register during a live Instagram session on Saturday, November 15, 2025.
