The controversy surrounding the arrest and sentence of Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James, best known as Baba Ijesha on the count of sexual assault has finally seen a new light.

Recall that the news of Baba Ijesha's arrest and sentence to prison on the count of sexual assault on a minor on July 12, 2022 broke the internet.

Following his arrest, the actor was sentenced by Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo (retd.) of the Ikeja Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court to five years imprisonment over the sexual assault of a minor.

The actor decided to challenge the decision of the court to the appeal court through his legal counsel, Kayode Olabiran.

However, the appeal court presided by Justice Folashade Ojo freed the actor of some charges, but upheld the remaining charges against him on 27th June, 2024.

In light of this, the appellate court upheld the 5 years sentence of the actor with a statement;

“i affirm the conviction and sentence of the appellant to 5 years imprisonment for the offence of indecent treatment of a child contrary to section 135 of the criminal laws of lagos state 2015 (count 4 of the charge).

“I also affirm the appellant’s conviction to 3 years imprisonment for sexual assault contrary to section 263 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011 (count 5 of the information).

“The sentences for counts 4 and 5 are to run concurrently”.