My media colleagues, please, stop giving Olanrewaju James, aka Baba Ijesha, endless platforms to seek attention, attack people and rewrite a judicial record that is already clear. This is not an allegation, rumour or social media trial. He was convicted by a court of law for sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child. The Court of Appeal affirmed his convictions and sentences for the offences committed in 2021.

He served his sentence and was released. The Lagos State Ministry of Justice subsequently clarified that his release was not an exoneration. He was released because he had served the sentence imposed and affirmed by the courts.

So, why the arrogance? Why the constant need to provoke, attack colleagues, make outrageous statements and pull unnecessary stunts as though the past has somehow disappeared?

A child was at the centre of this case. That fact should never be lost beneath the noise, publicity and theatrics. Sexual abuse of a child is not entertainment. It is not content. It is not something to be repackaged whenever the cameras return.

Yes, Olanrewaju James has the right to rebuild his life after serving his sentence. But rebuilding should come with accountability, humility and genuine reflection. It should not involve endless public appearances designed to generate attention, attacking colleagues, picking unnecessary fights, making provocative statements and pulling ridiculous stunts to remain relevant. At some point, the circus has to end.

What is even more troubling is how casually some people appear to have normalised his history. A woman with a young daughter has chosen to marry him despite his conviction and imprisonment. That is her personal decision and her responsibility. But marriage to a convicted person does not erase the conviction, and being accepted by someone does not make the past disappear. It certainly should not create a sense of being untouchable or give anyone licence to behave as though accountability no longer matters.

My media colleagues, we must also ask ourselves what we are normalising. There is a difference between journalism and providing repeated publicity to someone convicted of sexual offences against a child without appropriate context. Every platform we provide sends a message about what society chooses to amplify.

Olanrewaju James, aka Baba Ijesha, if you genuinely want to move forward, do so. Step away from the noise. Seek professional counselling if you need it. Reflect. Work on yourself. Rebuild quietly and responsibly.

You have served your sentence. Now demonstrate that you understand the seriousness of what brought you there.

Enough of the noise. Step back, reflect, take responsibility, and focus on rebuilding your life with the humility and accountability the moment requires.

Arabinrin Aderonke, an award-winning investigative journalist and gender advocate, as well as policy analyst, wrote from Abuja.