‘I Am Not A Rapist, I Am Not A Paedophile’ – Baba Ijesha

Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has denied being a paedophile or rapist, claiming he was lured into the incident that led to his imprisonment.

Abia Radio News reports that the actor spoke during an interview on Monday with veteran broadcaster, Yinka Ayefele, on Fresh FM.

Baba Ijesha insisted that he was unaware of the gravity of the allegations at the time and maintained his innocence.

He said, “I am not a paedophile, I am not a rapist. It was destiny that punished me. I did not know the meaning of rapist, paedophile, until the controversy.

“They said I used car key to deflower the minor. My side of the story will be revealed in a movie.”

Recounting the events leading to his arrest, the actor alleged that he was invited under the pretext of a movie role.

“The incident happened on April 21, 2021. Princess…called me to say that she was preparing my favourite food, pounded yam, crayfish, egusi soup with bush meat,” he said, referring to actress Damilola Adekoya.

“She had earlier told me about an acting job but I never knew it was Kirikiri and Panti prison,” he added.

Baba Ijesha further claimed that he unknowingly participated in a staged situation involving a minor.

“I never knew they had already ganged up against me. One of them even said she would make sure I don’t come out alive,” he said.

He explained that he had begun rehearsing with a young girl, believing he was on a movie set.

Responding to a question about being lured, the actor admitted that both food and financial incentives influenced his decision.

“Gluttony is also part of it and the proposed money as well. I do not like to snub or disrespect ladies, which is why I agreed to the role. That was how it happened, and God is my witness,” he said.

Baba Ijesha was found guilty by a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja in July 2022 for sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child.

The court sentenced him to five years and three years imprisonment, to run concurrently.

The actor said his version of events would soon be made public through a movie. He had also released a 10-minute track titled Eniware Daran last month to narrate his side of the story.