March 23, (THEWILL) — Yoruba actor, Baba Ijesha, has denied being a rapist and paedophile in a March 22 appearance on Biola Adebayo’s YouTube channel, Talk To B.
In the interview, he claimed that the 2021 CCTV footage that led to his conviction was a “set up” by comedienne, Princess, who he said had invited him to play a role in a proposed television series.
He also said that Iyabo Ojo had previously left her children, Festus and Priscilla, in his care during their childhood, emphasising his innocence.
Reflecting on this, he said, “I’m not a paedophile, I am not a rapist, Iyabo Ojo has kept Pricilla and her brother in my custody before when they were small.”
Baba Ijesha was convicted in July 2022 by a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja for sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child relating to the 2021 incident. He served five effective years and was released on November 14, 2025, and was placed on the sex offenders register.
Following controversies about his release, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice clarified that he was released strictly for completing his jail term, not because he was acquitted or cleared of the sexual assault charges.
Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro, added that while some convictions relating to alleged offences between 2013 and 2014 were set aside, the conviction and sentence for the 2021 case were upheld.
Actress Iyabo Ojo, whose former child in care was involved, rejected Baba Ijesha’s claims about past childcare trust and has warned him to stop mentioning her children in his statements, threatening legal action if he continues.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
