- Nollywood actor Baba Ijesha described his time in prison as a painful period.
- He said he felt he had been made an example of.
- He urged young Nigerians to think carefully before taking actions that could harm their future.
Nollywood actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, better known as Baba Ijesha, has recounted his experience in prison, describing it as a painful period of his life while insisting that he was made an example of.
The actor shared his thoughts during a recent conversation with Agabletu TV, where he spoke about the difficulties he encountered while serving his jail term. He equally had a word of advice for young Nigerians, urging them to think carefully before engaging in activities that could jeopardise their future.
Baba Ijesha suggested that his celebrity status played a role in how his case was perceived, claiming that popular personalities are sometimes used to send messages to the public.
Recounting how he felt about his imprisonment, he said, “Bitter because I was a scapegoat. Do you know, many want people to learn a lesson from celebrities.”
He further disclosed that prison life taught him lessons about human behaviour and the treatment of inmates. According to him, having a popular name or occupying an influential position does not guarantee special treatment behind bars.
The actor also accused some prison officials of being unnecessarily harsh towards inmates. He said he was particularly surprised to discover that even prominent individuals, including ministers, were subjected to the same prison conditions.
Speaking about religious activities among prisoners, Baba Ijesha explained that many inmates become deeply committed to prayer while behind bars.
In his words, “Do you know that prison is where prayer [is] answered most? People are praying in prison. People will continue praying until they pick a stone and cut themselves until blood is coming out. The person will lick the blood and tell God, ‘If I am guilty of [the] offence I am here for, let this, and this happen to me.’ But if I don’t know anything about it…”
He also alleged that certain unexpected deaths were connected to prayers made by prisoners but offered no evidence to back up the claim.
For context, Baba Ijesha was handed a prison sentence in July 2022 following his conviction over sexual offences involving a minor. The Lagos State Government later explained that his release came after he had served his sentence, clarifying that it was not an acquittal.