Biola Adebayo under fire for interviewing Baba Ijesha

Nollywood actress and podcaster Biola Adebayo is facing widespread criticism after featuring convicted actor Baba Ijesha on her podcast Talk To B.

The interview, which has gone viral, prompted outrage on social media as many Nigerians condemned giving a platform to a child sexual abuse convict.

During the session, Baba Ijesha reiterated his claim of being “set up” in relation to the 2021 sexual assault case. He also referenced his past association with actress Iyabo Ojo, including caring for her children, a claim Ojo has publicly disputed and warned against.

Public backlash and debate

Reactions on platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram were overwhelmingly critical. Many users accused Adebayo of enabling harmful narratives and chasing views at the expense of sensitivity.

Comments described the interview as inappropriate and argued that serious offenses involving minors should never be monetized or reframed for content.

Some social media users, however, argued the interview offered Baba Ijesha a chance to present his side of the story, citing the principle of fair hearing. Still, the majority emphasized that the gravity of his offenses demanded restraint.

The Lagos State Ministry of Justice previously clarified that Baba Ijesha was not acquitted; his conviction for sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child was upheld, with a sentence served concurrently. As of the time of reporting, neither Biola Adebayo nor her team has responded officially to the backlash.

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