Metro
Nigerians Unite Against Release of Alleged Paedophile, Baba Ijesha
About 1,200 Nigerians have signed a petition making rounds on social media to forestall the release of popular Yoruba actor, Olarewaju Omiyinka, after allegedly defiling a minor. For now, the target is for the signees to reach 1,500.
The actor, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, was arrested last week, after he was reported by the teenager’s foster mother ― a comedienne, Princess ― that he molested the girl when she was seven years old.
When the actor was apprehended last Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Muyiwa Adejobi, said there was substantial evidence against the actor as he was caught in the act on Closed Circuit Television.
The PPRO further stated that “Based on preliminary findings, the suspect started sexually assaulting the victim since she was seven years old. The suspect confessed to the crime and was also captured by a CCTV camera in the house of the complainant.”
However, in a twist of events, a senior police officer told The PUNCH that the actor may be released on Friday. The source said due to the ongoing strike by members of the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria, courts had ceased from sitting and the suspect could not be detained indefinitely without trial.
The source also said investigation into the recent allegation against Omiyinka revealed that he did not defile the victim, adding that when she was questioned, the victim confirmed the same.
The petition, which is drafted by the Aunt Landa’s Bethel Foundation, on behalf of the teenager’s foster mother, Princess, has urged 1,500 Nigerians to sign against the release of the Yoruba actor, Baba Ijesha.
“We seek full justice for the young child. It is embarrassing to know Nigeria Police Force are trying to grant Olanrewaju James Omiyinka bail today at Panti Police station, Lagos state, Nigeria.
“I want to remind the Nigeria Police Force that Section 218 of the Criminal Code Act provides that any person who has unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under the age of thirteen is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for life with or without caning. This law should be excise and thorough investigation is required with evidence already been submitted by the child guidance,” she wrote.
Narrating the incident that transpired between Baba Ijesha and her foster daughter, Princess said, “Days ago, the news of popular Yoruba actor, Olarenwaju James Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, raping a young girl of seven years old hit the internet, and since then, there’s been chaos.
“It’s no longer news that I don’t have biological children of my own, so imagine how sad I am that the girl in question (who I would like to keep her personal information private) is one of my six adopted children (three boys, three girls). Their parents trusted me to train them properly and didn’t want me to feel alone. Now that the incident is public, it all feels surreal but very painful.
“I can’t believe someone I tried to help when I was at my lowest point in life could do this. Reading the false news that he raped her continuously for seven years after the initial sexual defilement that took place seven years ago is also adding to my mental health breakdown.
“Truly, he defiled her in my sitting room years ago when I went downstairs to lock the gate after my aunt who had come to console me on the collapse of my marriage and loss of baby (her other siblings had gone out to play at the end of the street). She said after cleaning certain liquid (we suspect was sperm and blood) from her bum and his body, he warned her not to tell anyone and that it was nothing.
“Fast forward to when my friend came around on Friday, April 16, 2021. She found me in a foul mood and went on to ask what had happened. I explained to her the same gut feeling I had been having for seven years that something was wrong with her, but it was not spiritual and it won’t go away. She then offered to talk to her and that was when all the secrets came out.”
She continued, “On one hand, we are a bit relieved and her parents are especially grateful to God that we now know the root cause of her declining grades in school and sudden change in her behaviour. On the other hand, it’s so painful knowing that she had to bear all these by herself. Her innocence was stolen in less than four minutes. I truly can’t find the right words to describe how deeply hurt I am.
“These parents showed compassion by allowing their kids to live with me so I could experience motherhood. I protected and cared for them to the best of my ability, but Lanre made me question my sanity as a mother.
“I still can’t get over the trauma of having to watch her on CCTV just so we could get proof. She was so scared before he arrived and we had to reassure her that we would come in before he could hurt her. She dreads him so much to the point that when she recognized him in a movie he and I featured in 2019, even her brothers couldn’t console her.”
The Punch
There was panic on Friday after human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, collapsed following a confrontation with the police during a Democracy Day protest at the Unity Fountain in Abuja.
Reports said that Sowore collapsed after police operatives moved to disperse protesters gathered to demonstrate against insecurity, economic hardship and bad governance.
The demonstrators were dispersed after security personnel fired teargas canisters at the protesters in an apparent attempt to break up the gathering.
Following the incident, Sowore has reportedly been taken to an undisclosed hospital for further examination and treatment.
The FCT Police Command has successfully rescued five kidnapped victims following an intensive joint rescue operation conducted in the Byazhin area of the Federal Capital Territory.
Acting on recent kidnapping incidents within Paze community in Byazhin area, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, PhD, FCAI, personally led a clearance operation with a team comprising operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the NPF Intelligence Response Team (IRT), and Kubwa Area Command, in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups.
On 9th June, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., the joint security team launched an intensive search, clearance, and rescue operation across Paze and Byazhin communities. During the operation, the team engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun duel, resulting in the neutralization of two suspects and the arrest of two others identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman, while other gang members fled into nearby hills with varying degrees of bullet wounds. During the operation, the police team also recovered two AK-47 rifles with magazines. The Command therefore calls on healthcare practitioners, private and public hospitals, and members of the public to promptly report any individual presenting gunshot related injuries or seeking treatment under suspicious circumstances.
The sustained pressure mounted on the criminal elements forced them to abandon five hostages, who were promptly rescued unharmed.
The rescued victims have since been taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention, while efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families. Meanwhile, search operations continue across the general area and adjoining communities aimed at apprehending the fleeing suspects and dismantling the criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police commended the bravery, resilience, and professionalism displayed by the operatives and supporting local security volunteers during the operation. He reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the Federal Capital Territory.
Members of the public are encouraged to remain security conscious and report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency numbers: 08032003913, 07057337653.
Ecobank Nigeria has concluded all preparations for the fifth edition of the highly anticipated Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience, reaffirming its readiness to host local and international brands, partners, customers and visitors at the four-day fair scheduled to hold from June 11 to 14, 2026, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Victoria Island, Lagos.
The Bank has put in place all necessary arrangements to ensure a seamless, secure and memorable experience for exhibitors and attendees, further underscoring its commitment to promoting African creativity, entrepreneurship and intra-African trade.
Among the international exhibitors confirmed for this year’s edition are Creative Hub Africa and Shades of Class from Sierra Leone, Drame Khadidatou from Senegal, Tampoori from Ghana, and Naylah Collection from the Republic of Benin. Their participation highlights the growing continental appeal of the Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience as a platform for cultural exchange, business collaboration and market access across Africa.
The event will also feature more than 100 exhibitors and vendors, including leading Nigerian brands such as Obida Design Associates, This Is Us, Imani Kids, Ashabi Fads, E25Dresses, Miné by Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Buss Fabrics Store, Aina Aladire and many others, showcasing the richness of African craftsmanship, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Speaking on the Bank’s preparedness for the event, Head of SMEs, Partnerships and Collaborations at Ecobank Nigeria, Omoboye Odu, said all arrangements have been successfully concluded to deliver a rewarding experience for exhibitors, partners, customers and visitors throughout the four-day fair.
According to her, attendees can look forward to a vibrant showcase of fashion, craftsmanship, art, music, culture and entrepreneurship, with participants drawn from Nigeria and several other African countries.
“We are fully prepared and excited to welcome guests from across Nigeria and the African continent to another edition of the Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience. From exhibition spaces and cultural showcases to networking opportunities and customer engagement activities, every necessary arrangement has been put in place to ensure a seamless and rewarding experience for all attendees,” Odu said.
She added: “The Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience continues to evolve as a unique platform that connects creatives, entrepreneurs and consumers from across Africa. Attendees can look forward to exceptional products, interactive sessions, entertainment, cultural exhibitions and valuable opportunities to build relationships, explore new markets and expand their businesses.”
Over the years, the Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience has grown into one of Nigeria’s foremost platforms for promoting indigenous textile production, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and showcasing the ingenuity of African creatives. The event has also played a significant role in expanding market access for businesses while preserving and celebrating Africa’s rich cultural heritage.
Beyond the exhibition, participants will have opportunities to network, explore business partnerships, discover unique products and experience the diversity and vibrancy of African culture. The event is open to the public, and visitors can look forward to an immersive experience that seamlessly blends tradition, innovation, fashion, enterprise and entertainment in a grand celebration of Africa’s creative economy.
