Crime

Baba Ijesha Not Cleared — Lagos AG Explains the Real Reason Behind His Release

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on November 18th, 2025.

The Lagos State Attorney-General has addressed growing public confusion surrounding the recent release of embattled Nollywood actor, Baba Ijesha, insisting that his return to society should not be misinterpreted as an acquittal or a declaration of innocence. The clarification comes amid widespread speculation and mixed reactions from the public, with many assuming the actor’s release equated to a legal victory.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Attorney-General emphasized that the release stemmed from procedural and legal circumstances, not from a reversal of the court’s earlier findings. According to him, the public must understand the difference between release and exoneration, stressing that Baba Ijesha’s legal status remains unchanged by the administrative decision.

He explained that, like every other convict, individuals who have served their mandated term, qualified for remission, or met other statutory conditions may be released without fanfare. This process, he noted, does not wipe away past convictions, neither does it imply that the government has overturned the court’s judgment.

The Attorney-General further urged citizens to avoid drawing uninformed conclusions, noting that sensational interpretations only fuel misinformation. “The release has been widely misconstrued,” he said. “It does not amount to an acquittal, and it does not rewrite the court’s pronouncements. The law simply followed its course.”

He also addressed the emotional nature of the case, acknowledging the sensitivity surrounding issues of abuse, justice, and public trust. He affirmed that the state remains committed to protecting minors, upholding due process, and ensuring that the justice system operates transparently.

Legal analysts have echoed the AG’s clarification, noting that several factors—including sentence completion, good conduct, or administrative reviews—can result in a convict’s release without altering the verdict.

As the public continues to react, the Attorney-General reiterated that the rule of law must remain the guiding principle. He urged Nigerians to seek verified information and allow the justice system to function without unnecessary pressure or distortion.

With this clarification, the state hopes to dispel misinformation and restore a clearer understanding of how legal processes unfold, especially in high-profile cases that attract intense public scrutiny.