Yomi Fabiyi Under Fire After Defending Convicted Sex Offender Baba Ijesha

Controversial Nollywood actor Yomi Fabiyi has sparked fresh outrage after defending convicted sex offender Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, claiming the 2021 incident was a matter of “play” rather than a criminal attempt at sexual violence. In a viral live session, Fabiyi stated in Yoruba that Baba Ijesha “just wanted to kiss the girl and play with her breasts,” downplaying the assault on a 14-year-old that was captured on CCTV. Baba Ijesha was convicted in 2022 and sentenced to concurrent terms of five and three years for sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child.

Key Points:

Fabiyi’s remarks trivialize the sexual assault of a minor, sparking widespread criticism from child protection advocates.
The actor claimed the case was marred by personal vendettas and procedural errors, suggesting it should be revisited.
The Lagos State Ministry of Justice had previously clarified that, although some allegations were set aside on appeal, the conviction in the 2021 case was upheld.
Fabiyi insisted his defence is rooted in civil rights, not support for sexual violence, arguing that selective justice is at play.
The viral video has reignited public debate about the case and the responsibility of public figures in discussing child sexual abuse.

As Fabiyi faces backlash for his comments, the incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing tension between legal advocacy and the responsibility to protect victims, particularly when public figures trivialize crimes against minors.

Sources: Tribune Online