Nollywood actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has been released from prison after the Court of Appeal overturned his conviction for sexually assaulting a minor.

The actor was arrested in 2021 and sentenced to 16 years in July 2022 by the Lagos State High Court for offences related to the assault of a 14-year-old girl.

A video circulating on Saturday showed the comic actor sitting in a vehicle moments after his release, expressing relief and saying he needed rest. “Apase, I’m out… I just came out. I want to relax. Thank you for supporting me. I will call you,” he said in Yoruba during a brief phone call.

Confirming the development, actor and activist Yomi Fabiyi welcomed the judgment, saying it brought clarity to what he described as a mishandled case. He noted that the decision “clears” Baba Ijesha and stressed the importance of fairness and due process in cases involving minors.

Fabiyi added that he does not condone any form of abuse and will continue advocating for justice and human rights.

The Appeal Court ruled that the evidence presented in the earlier trial was insufficient to uphold the conviction, leading to Baba Ijesha’s release.