The Lagos Court of Appeal upheld the conviction of Nollywood actor Baba Ijesha, sentencing him to five years in prison for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. The appellate court, led by Justice Folashade Ojo, confirmed his guilt on charges of indecent treatment and sexual assault, based on credible eyewitness testimony from Damilola Adekoya. Despite Baba Ijesha's defense claiming he was acting as part of a script, the court found that he had indeed molested the minor on April 19, 2021, as corroborated by his own admissions during police questioning.
Initially, Baba Ijesha was charged with six counts, including sexual assault and attempted assault by penetration. However, the trial court, presided over by Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo, acquitted him of some charges, including penetration with a car key. Nevertheless, he was found guilty of indecent acts between 2013 and 2014. The appeal court dismissed claims that the incidents were scripted, affirming the trial court’s findings and emphasizing the seriousness of the offences. The sentences for the charges will run concurrently.