The Nigerian film star Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, was reportedly released from prison on 14 November 2025 after serving about five years for a sexual‑assault conviction.
Actor Yomi Fabiyi announced the news on Instagram, claiming that the Court of Appeal had cleared Baba Ijesha of the child‑defilement charges that had originally led to a 16‑year sentence in 2022. The appeal reduced the penalty to a five‑year term, which the actor had already completed, prompting Fabiyi to celebrate his “freedom” on social media.
The case dates back to an incident in April 2021 involving a 14‑year‑old girl, for which Baba Ijesha was initially convicted on multiple counts and sentenced to 16 years. In June 2024 the Appeal Court upheld a five‑year sentence for indecent treatment and sexual assault while dismissing other counts.
However, recent reports suggest the latest appeal may have resulted in the dismissal of the remaining charges, leading to his release, though the Nigerian Correctional Service has stated that he remains in custody, creating conflicting narratives.Public reaction has been sharply divided.
Fans have flooded platforms with supportive messages and memes, while skeptics have questioned the timing and veracity of the release, pointing to official statements that the actor is still incarcerated.
Fact‑checking organizations have labeled the release claim as false, tracing a viral video to events before his arrest. The episode highlights the tension between legal outcomes and social media discourse, underscoring the need for verified information in high‑profile cases.
