Toyyibat Qasim
Convicted Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has described Nigerian correctional facilities as places where prayers are offered with extraordinary intensity, saying inmates often turn to God in desperate search for justice and freedom.
The actor, who recently spoke about his experience behind bars, said prison life exposed him to painful realities, adding that his celebrity status did not exempt him from the harsh conditions faced by other inmates.
Speaking in an interview on Agabletu TV with Dele Adeyanju, Baba Ijesha described his incarceration as a bitter experience, alleging that he was used as a scapegoat in the criminal case that led to his conviction.
According to him, his time in prison taught him difficult but important lessons about life, personal conduct and the consequences of one’s actions and associations.
He urged young people to be cautious about the company they keep and the decisions they make, warning that a single mistake could have far-reaching consequences.
The actor also alleged that some correctional officers treat inmates more harshly than police officers, insisting that prison life makes little distinction between celebrities, wealthy individuals and ordinary citizens.
He said he was surprised to encounter wealthy and influential Nigerians behind bars, adding that many members of the public would be shocked to discover the calibre of individuals currently serving jail terms in correctional centres across the country.
Baba Ijesha further raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the detention of some inmates, alleging that a considerable number of people in correctional facilities were being held despite unresolved questions about their cases.
He consequently called on government authorities, judges and legal practitioners to pay greater attention to the plight of inmates awaiting trial and ensure that their cases receive timely and impartial consideration.
However, the actor’s most striking observation centred on the spiritual atmosphere in prison, which he described as a place where inmates pray with unusual desperation because of the difficult circumstances surrounding their freedom.
“Prison is where prayers are answered most,” he said.
He explained that many inmates devote considerable time to prayers, particularly those who believe they have been wrongly imprisoned and are desperately seeking divine intervention.
The actor also suggested that the emotional anguish and prayers of people who believe they have suffered injustice could have consequences beyond what those in positions of authority might anticipate.
He therefore urged public officials and other influential individuals to exercise power with compassion, warning against actions that could unjustly deprive people of their liberty.
Baba Ijesha’s comments come against the backdrop of his conviction in a child sexual assault case that attracted widespread public attention.
In July 2022, a Lagos State High Court sentenced the actor to prison terms following his conviction on charges relating to the sexual assault and indecent treatment of a minor in a case that originated in 2021.
Although some aspects of his conviction were subsequently set aside by an appellate court, the sexual assault conviction was upheld. He was also listed on the Lagos State sex offenders register.
Despite the court’s decision, the actor has consistently maintained his innocence, claiming that he was framed and rejecting descriptions of himself as a paedophile or rapist.
He also disclosed that he intends to present his account of the controversy through a forthcoming movie, which he says will offer his own perspective on the events that culminated in his imprisonment.
His latest remarks have once again brought attention to the conditions of Nigerian correctional facilities, the treatment of inmates and concerns surrounding prolonged detention and access to justice.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
'