‘He wanted to kiss, play with her breast,’ Yomi Fabiyi defends Baba Ijesha

MaTaZ ArIsInG
Dallas, Texas

Controversial Nollywood actor Yomi Fabiyi has once again ignited public outcry after doubling down on his defence of convicted actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, claiming the 2021 incident was a matter of “play” rather than a criminal attempt at sexual violence.

During a recent live session that has since gone viral, Fabiyi sought to downplay the gravity of the assault that led to Baba Ijesha’s imprisonment. Fabiyi claimed in the Yoruba language that “there was no intention to rape. Baba Ijesha just wanted to play with the girl and kiss her quickly because he knew the homeowner would be back soon.” He further added, “He just wanted to kiss the girl and play with her breasts.”

The case, which first shook the Nigerian entertainment industry in 2021, involved the sexual assault of the 14-year-old foster daughter of comedienne Damilola Adekoya, professionally known as Princess. The incident was captured on CCTV, providing key evidence that led to a high-profile trial.

In July 2022, a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja convicted Baba Ijesha of sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child. He was sentenced to five years and three years’ imprisonment, respectively, to run concurrently.

Following his recent release from prison, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice moved to clarify his legal standing. The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, explained that while the Court of Appeal had set aside some earlier allegations, it firmly upheld the conviction and sentence relating to the 2021 case.

Fabiyi, a long-term ally of the convict, used his broadcast to allege that the investigation and subsequent trial were marred by personal vendettas and procedural errors. He insisted that certain aspects of the case “should be revisited”, suggesting that those who orchestrated the “sting operation” did not follow proper protocols.

Despite the graphic nature of his defence, Fabiyi maintained that his stance is rooted in civil rights rather than support for sexual violence. He stated that his human rights group condemns all forms of child abuse but argued that the “prerequisites for the actions taken were flawed.”

“We will continue to stand against selective justice and abuse of fundamental rights,” Fabiyi asserted, maintaining that his concerns remain centred on what he describes as procedural lapses and inconsistencies.

The actor’s comments have sparked a fresh wave of criticism online, with many advocates for child protection slamming the remarks as insensitive and a dangerous trivialisation of sexual assault against minors.

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