Baba Ijesha Regains Freedom After 5 Years In Prison

Nollywood actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has been released from prison following a Court of Appeal judgment that overturned his conviction for the sexual assault of a minor.

Baba Ijesha was arrested in 2021 and, in July 2022, the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja sentenced him to 16 years’ imprisonment after finding him guilty on multiple counts relating to the assault of a 14-year-old girl.

A video that surfaced on Saturday shows the comic actor seated inside a vehicle shortly after regaining freedom. He appeared relieved and said he needed time to rest.

In a brief phone conversation recorded in the clip, he was heard speaking in Yoruba:

“Apáṣẹ, I’m out… I just came out. I want to relax. I just want to leave here, so I decided to inform you. Thank you for supporting me. I will call you.”

Confirming the development, Nollywood actor and activist Yomi Fabiyi welcomed the Appeal Court’s verdict in an Instagram post, describing it as a judgment that brought clarity to what he termed a mishandled case.

Fabiyi said the ruling “clears” the actor and urged both the public and authorities to approach sensitive allegations with caution and fairness.

“He is not just back but better,” he wrote, noting that the lengthy legal process highlighted the importance of due process, fairness, and the protection of rights in cases involving minors.

He maintained that, as a human rights advocate, he does not condone abuse of any kind.

 “We never and will never condone or support any form of sexual abuse, let alone against children or minors. We will continue to advocate for justice and the protection of fundamental human rights,” he added.

Sources revealed that the Appeal Court held that the evidence presented during the initial trial was insufficient to sustain the earlier conviction, leading to Baba Ijesha’s release.

Baba Ijesha Regains Freedom After 5 Years In Prison

Nollywood actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has been released from prison following a Court of Appeal judgment that overturned his conviction for the sexual assault of a minor.

Baba Ijesha was arrested in 2021 and, in July 2022, the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja sentenced him to 16 years’ imprisonment after finding him guilty on multiple counts relating to the assault of a 14-year-old girl.

A video that surfaced on Saturday shows the comic actor seated inside a vehicle shortly after regaining freedom. He appeared relieved and said he needed time to rest.

In a brief phone conversation recorded in the clip, he was heard speaking in Yoruba:

“Apáṣẹ, I’m out… I just came out. I want to relax. I just want to leave here, so I decided to inform you. Thank you for supporting me. I will call you.”

Confirming the development, Nollywood actor and activist Yomi Fabiyi welcomed the Appeal Court’s verdict in an Instagram post, describing it as a judgment that brought clarity to what he termed a mishandled case.

Fabiyi said the ruling “clears” the actor and urged both the public and authorities to approach sensitive allegations with caution and fairness.

“He is not just back but better,” he wrote, noting that the lengthy legal process highlighted the importance of due process, fairness, and the protection of rights in cases involving minors.

He maintained that, as a human rights advocate, he does not condone abuse of any kind.

 “We never and will never condone or support any form of sexual abuse, let alone against children or minors. We will continue to advocate for justice and the protection of fundamental human rights,” he added.

Sources revealed that the Appeal Court held that the evidence presented during the initial trial was insufficient to sustain the earlier conviction, leading to Baba Ijesha’s release.

APTAN Holds 2025 Annual Seminar, Offers Free Medical Services To Ile-Ife Residents

The Artisans, Peasants, and Traders Association of Nigeria (APTAN) has reiterated its dedication to advancing the welfare, safety, and health of Nigerian artisans and entrepreneurs through education, professional development, and community service.

The commitment was restated on Sunday during the association’s 2025 Annual Seminar, held at the Oba Okunade Sijuwade Memorial Hall, Enuwa, Ile-Ife. 

The event, themed “Occupational Safety and Health Management for Artisans and Entrepreneurs,” brought together craftsmen, traders, community leaders, and professionals from across Osun State and beyond.

In addition to the seminar sessions, APTAN organized a free medical outreach for residents of Ile-Ife, providing free health checks such as blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, as well as medical consultations for various health challenges. 

The initiative, according to the organizers, was designed to promote a culture of health consciousness and safety among workers and the general public.

Declaring the seminar open, the Osun State Chairman of APTAN, Comrade Qosim Olawusi, expressed profound gratitude to Almighty Allah and acknowledged the presence of dignitaries, including representatives of the Ooni of Ife and the Chief Imam of Ife.

“Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. I greet everyone here today because we are all special individuals,” Olawusi began. 

He described the annual gathering as an avenue for self-assessment and professional improvement.

“This programme is our way of evaluating our progress each year, identifying where we need to improve, become better, and make necessary adjustments,” he added.

The event featured notable personalities such as Ustaz Taofiq Suleiman, APTAN South-West Leader; Engineer Ibrohim Fadipe, Guest Lecturer; Alhaji (Oba) Asimiyu Elufowora, Obameto of Ife Oòyè; Oba Abdulyekeen Fakowajo, Faloona I; Alhaji Adam Adisa, Chairman of the Occasion; Sheikh Qomardeen Bello, Mufti of APTAN; Ustaz Saheed Adegoke, Alhaja Latifat Agboola, Alhaja Omisakin Sibgatullah, and Alhaja Adebayo Majeedah, among others.

In his goodwill message, Alhaji Adam Adisa emphasized the importance of morality and discipline in business practices. 

“Every Muslim should be a good ambassador of Islam in their dealings with others. Our character is our identity,” he advised, urging artisans to uphold ethical standards in their trades.

Delivering the keynote lecture, Engineer Ibrohim Fadipe, an alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University and a member of both the Nigerian Institute of Environmental Engineers (NIEE) and the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), highlighted the urgent need for workplace safety and health awareness.

Citing statistics from the International Labour Organization (ILO), Fadipe revealed that an estimated 7,500 people suffer workplace injuries daily, with about 6,500 dying from work-related diseases and another 1,000 losing their lives in occupational accidents.

“These are not just numbers; they represent fathers, mothers, and breadwinners. Safety should never be taken for granted. It begins with personal responsibility, proper planning, and adherence to safety protocols,” he said. 

He cautioned that negligence often leads to preventable tragedies, adding that “safety doesn’t come by chance, it is achieved through awareness, training, and discipline.”

The event climaxed with the presentation of Awards of Appreciation to distinguished individuals for their remarkable contributions to the association’s growth and community development. 

Awardees included Alhaji (Oba) Asimiyu Elufowora, Obameto of Ife Oòyè; Alhaji Morufu Akande, Director of MORAK Nigeria Enterprises, Opa, Agric, Ile-Ife; and Aare Kolawole AbdulAzeez, Managing Director, Oodua 90.9 FM, Ile-Ife.

APTAN reaffirmed its mission to continue empowering artisans and traders through education, welfare initiatives, and programs that promote professional excellence, economic growth, and community well-being.

Osun Youth Movement Urges Tinubu to Release Withheld Local Government Allocation Funds

The Osun Youth Movement has raised serious concerns over the continuous withholding of Local Government (LG) allocation funds by the Federal Government, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene and ensure their immediate release.

In a press statement signed by the group’s Public Relations Officer, Comrade Adebayo Gbenga, the youth movement described the situation as a major setback to grassroots development in Osun State and across the country. 

The statement noted that the non-release of LG allocations has paralyzed several developmental projects, leaving many communities without essential infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and educational services.

“Local governments are the closest tier of government to the people. By starving them of funds, communities are left in stagnation and citizens are denied basic services,” the statement read.

Osun State, renowned for its cultural heritage and historical importance, has also been severely affected by the fund crisis. Several projects, including road construction, healthcare improvements, and educational initiatives, have been abandoned due to lack of resources. 

The movement maintained that the release of the funds would not only revive these projects but also boost the state’s economic growth and improve the living conditions of its people.

The Osun Youth Movement further stressed that youth must continue to play a leading role in advocacy and governance, noting that their intervention in this matter is a reflection of their commitment to securing the state’s future. 

The group argued that grassroots development is too important to be held back by bureaucratic or political bottlenecks, urging President Tinubu to weigh the long-term consequences of withholding such crucial allocations.

The movement’s appeal was clear: the withheld funds should be released without delay so that local governments in Osun can fulfill their constitutional mandate to deliver services at the grassroots. 

They emphasized that supporting local governments is key to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic foundation and ensuring that development reaches every community.

Concluding the statement, the group expressed hope that President Tinubu would act swiftly, describing the release of the funds as an opportunity for the Federal Government to reaffirm its commitment to the welfare of citizens and the progress of Osun State.

“Why Single Out Osun?” NANS Pleads for Justice, Release of LG Funds

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Committee (JCC) Osun Axis, under the leadership of Comrade Afolabi Faruq, popularly known as Costa, has issued a fervent appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, and other relevant stakeholders to expedite the release of Osun State's local government allocations.

The appeal was contained in a press statement released by NANS JCC Osun Axis and jointly signed by its Chairman, Comrade Afolabi Faruq (Costa), and Secretary General, Comrade Joseph Oluwagbohunmi (Heir_Josheey).

According to the statement, the withheld allocations remain a stumbling block to the growth and well-being of the Osun people. “As students, we maintain a neutral stance on partisan politics; however, we cannot idly stand by while our state's progress is stifled,” the association declared.

The funds, earmarked for local governments to tackle pressing issues such as education and infrastructure, have been withheld, precipitating what NANS described as a governance crisis in the state. While acknowledging the complex nature of politics, the association insisted that, as the leader of all Nigerians, President Tinubu must prioritize developmental politics over partisan interests.

“Despite a court ruling that overturned the elections of APC chairmen, the federal government has refused to disburse Osun State's local government allocations. It is disconcerting that Osun is the only state facing this predicament, while other states continue to operate joint accounts with their local governments, even in defiance of the Supreme Court's ruling on local government autonomy. The question remains: why is Osun being singled out?” the statement queried.

NANS JCC Osun Axis further stressed that the withholding of allocations has far-reaching consequences, particularly for students. Teacher recruitment and other developmental projects have stalled, deepening the state’s challenges. The body, however, commended Governor Ademola Adeleke’s leadership, describing his performance as exemplary and surpassing that of his predecessors.

“We, the over 200,000 students of Osun State, stand solidly behind Governor Adeleke, and we are eager to continue supporting his initiatives. His commitment to good governance has not gone unnoticed, and we applaud his efforts to drive progress in our beloved state,” the statement read.

Concluding, the association made a passionate plea to President Tinubu to “have mercy on the people of Osun and release the local government allocations to the elected chairmen who won the February 22, 2025 election, conducted in accordance with the Electoral Act and the Nigerian Constitution.”

According to NANS, such a step would not only revitalize Osun’s development but also demonstrate the President’s commitment to equity, justice, and the well-being of all Nigerians.

Ile-Ife Agog As 22 Young Qur’an Memorisers Graduate From Rowdotu-T-Tanzeel Arabic School

The ancient city of Ile-Ife, Osun State, came alive on Sunday as twenty-two teenagers graduated from Rowdotu-t-Tanzeel Tahfeez Arabic School, having successfully memorised the entire Glorious Qur’an.

The colourful ceremony, which marked the fourth edition of the school’s annual Qur’an memorisation and basic Islamic education graduation, was attended by Islamic scholars, academics, parents, and dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria. Some participants also joined virtually, further underscoring the event’s significance.

All 22 graduands, aged below 18, were awarded certificates of completion for mastering the recitation, tajweed (rules of Qur’anic pronunciation), Arabic grammar, and Islamic ethics. 

Their melodious renditions of the Qur’an verses gripped the audience emotionally, as many in attendance were moved to tears by the soul-lifting recitations that illuminated the entire atmosphere.

In his address, the Director of the institution, Mallam Mutiu Uthman, noted that the school was established to instil Islamic values and Qur’anic knowledge in children from an early age. 

He emphasised the importance of committing to the Qur’an not only for spiritual elevation but also as a moral compass in a world increasingly plagued by distractions and technological excesses.

Mallam Uthman congratulated the memorisers and advised them not to relent in their spiritual pursuit. 

“Memorising the Qur’an is a great feat, but it is only the beginning. The true challenge lies in living by its teachings,” he said. 

He encouraged Muslim parents to prioritise Islamic education and expose their children to the memorisation of the Qur’an early in life, adding that the institution had produced students who now study at reputable universities such as Al-Azhar in Egypt, institutions in Malaysia, Turkiye, and top Nigerian universities.

The Chairman of the day, Professor Shuaib Osunleke, applauded the dedication and resilience of the young scholars. 

He urged Muslims to internalise the values of the Qur’an and project them through acts of peace, justice, and kindness in society.

Delivering his lecture, Sheikh Sirajudeen Bakrin, Chief Imam of Fountain University, Osogbo, advised families to celebrate moderately and hold their children in high esteem for such a noble accomplishment. 

He warned the graduates to remain steadfast and avoid influences that contradict the essence of the Qur’an they had memorised.

He said, “They are now the bearers of Allah’s words. They must live by it, protect it, and use it to guide others on the straight path.”

The names of the twenty-two outstanding Qur’an memorisers include: Ibrahim Oluwaferanmi Lawal, Alabi Habeebah Oluwadunmininu, Munirudeen Abdulrahman Abiodun, Fari'ah Temitope Ojuroye, Abdul-Qawiyy As-Siddiq Abdulhameed, Ibrahim Olamide Lawal, Aleem Halimah Olamide, Firdaus Oluwaferanmi Oyelami, Odenike Ibraheem Dolamu.

 

Olowomojuore Muhammad Olakunle, Adeboye Summayyah Adedolapo, Ajibade Waliyah Adeola, Adewale Kafilah Adebimpe, Adedokun Fatimah Afolashade, Olurode Tolhah Kehinde.

Saheed Sofiyyah Adedamola, Moyosore Muhammed Alade, Badru Muhammad Olusola, Tajudeen Toliah Akorede, Tajudeen Abdullah Olamide, Teslim Aisha Aduke Ayomide, and Abdullah Opeyemi Abdul Rasaq.

BREAKING: Formal President Buhari Dies in London Clinic

He was said to have taken ill during a routine medical visit abroad and had remained under observation in the weeks leading up to his passing.

Though details of the illness were not made public, the former president was believed to be recuperating until his condition took a turn.

A retired major general and one of Nigeria’s most recognisable political figures, Buhari served first as military head of state from 1983 to 1985, before returning as an elected president in 2015.

His two-term civilian presidency, which ended in 2023, was defined by a sweeping anti-corruption agenda, an economic reform programme, and sustained efforts to address insecurity across the country.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming hours, as tributes begin to pour in from across Nigeria.