Yomi Fabiyi sparks controversy after celebrating Baba Ijesha’s release and alleging misconduct in the child sexual assault case, prompting renewed public debate

Nollywood actor and activist Yomi Fabiyi has ignited a fresh wave of controversy after posting a lengthy statement on Instagram celebrating the release of convicted actor Baba Ijesha and alleging irregularities in the child sexual assault case that led to his imprisonment.

Also read: Iyabo Ojo reveals why she backed Princess in Baba Ijesha rape case

Fabiyi, a long-standing supporter of Baba Ijesha since his 2021 arrest, declared on Friday that the actor was “FREE AND OUT,” adding that he had returned “better.”

He further claimed that the Lagos Appeal Court had cleared the actor of allegations relating to the sexual assault of a minor, describing the initial prosecution as a “charade.”

Baba Ijesha, whose real name is Olanrewaju James Omiyinka, was convicted in July 2022 on four of six counts, including indecent treatment and sexual assault, after CCTV footage recorded in the home of comedian Damilola Adekoya (Princess) appeared to show inappropriate conduct with a minor.

He was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment following concurrent sentencing totalling sixteen years.

In his post, Fabiyi levelled several serious accusations against individuals connected to the high-profile case:

He claimed there was “no proof” the victim was 14 years old at the time of the 2021 incident, alleging the case had been “weaponised” to destroy the actor.

He alleged that one Damola Adekola, described as a neighbour and associate of Princess, was never prosecuted despite supposedly “confessing” to having a sexual relationship with the girl.

Fabiyi further accused Princess of grooming, child pornography, and re-traumatising the minor by installing hidden cameras to record the staged meeting that captured Baba Ijesha’s conduct.

Fabiyi insisted that his human rights organisation “never condones sexual abuse” but is committed to fighting what he called “selective justice” and “organised crime.”

However, details surrounding the Appeal Court ruling remain unclear. Reports from 2024 indicated that the court upheld parts of the conviction while adjusting some counts, rather than completely exonerating the actor.

Baba Ijesha was first arrested in April 2021 after a hidden camera allegedly captured him engaging in inappropriate behaviour with the minor, who had previously been abused at age seven.

The Lagos Special Offences Court acquitted him on charges requiring proof of penetration but affirmed his guilt on multiple counts relating to indecent and sexual assault.

Also read: ‘Just In’ Baba Ijesha closes defence in alleged sexual assault case

Fabiyi’s renewed defence of the actor has drawn both support and strong criticism on social media, reopening old wounds in a case that has remained deeply polarising within the entertainment industry and the wider public.