Popular Yoruba actor, Mr Olanrewaju Omiyinka, who is popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has been released from prison.

Fellow actor and close associate, Yomi Fabiyi, announced Baba Ijesha’s release on Friday via Instagram.

Fabiyi stated that the embattled actor “officially regained his freedom” after he was cleared by the Court of Appeal.

Baba Ijesha was sentenced by a Lagos High Court on July 14, 2022, to 16 years in prison for sexually assaulting a minor. His jail term was expected to run concurrently, cumulatively for five years behind bars.

In April 2024, Baba Ijesha approached the Court of Appeal to challenge the conviction, claiming he had been set up.

He argued that his actions in the viral CCTV footage were part of a “script” allegedly given to him by his colleague, Damilola Adekoya, popularly known as Princess, who is also the minor’s foster mother.

The case, which went viral in 2021, sparked nationwide outrage and intense debate within Nollywood and social media.

In his Instagram post featuring Baba Ijesha’s picture, Fabiyi wrote, “You are now officially FREE AND OUT. Baba Ijesha is not just back but BETTER.”

He celebrated the said Appeal Court ruling and made a series of allegations against individuals involved in the original case. Fabiyi claimed the court found no evidence that Baba Ijesha defiled the minor.

He further alleged that some individuals involved in the case manipulated the minor’s age and acted out of personal vendetta.

He claimed that others who were arrested during the investigation were released despite accusations of inappropriate conduct.

Fabiyi also accused the complainant (Princess) of negligence and grooming. According to him, medical tests reportedly indicated sexual activity involving the minor after Baba Ijesha’s arrest, suggesting the actor was not responsible.