Oyo State Government Files 18-Count Charge Against Ex-Ooni’s Wife Naomi, Oriyomi Hamzat, and School Principal Over Deadly Ibadan Stampede
The Oyo State Government has officially filed 18 charges against Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, the CEO of Agidigbo FM; and Fasasi Abdullahi, the principal of Islamic High School, following a tragic stampede at a Christmas Funfair in Ibadan that resulted in the deaths of 35 children.
A source close to the case revealed that the government has charged the three individuals with manslaughter and other related offences. It is expected that the court will consider granting bail on Monday.
Currently, the three suspects are in custody for their involvement in the incident. During a court session on January 7, 2025, the defence team passionately requested bail for the accused, emphasizing their cooperation with investigations and lack of flight risk. They also challenged the legality of the detention, arguing that there were procedural flaws and uncertainties regarding the court’s jurisdiction.
The defence lawyers further contested the use of a “holding charge” for remanding the suspects, claiming it did not comply with Nigeria’s Administration of Criminal Justice Act. However, the Oyo State government, represented by Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, firmly opposed the bail application, arguing that the charges were serious and that justice needed to be served for the victims and their families.
Justice K.B. Olawoyin, after hearing arguments from both sides, reserved the ruling on the bail applications, with a decision expected on January 13, 2025.
Earlier, the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ibadan had filed four charges against the suspects, including conspiracy to commit felony leading to death, culpable homicide, negligent acts, and failure to provide adequate security and medical care. The case was subsequently transferred to the state high court for further proceedings.
On January 9, 2025, Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN), representing Oriyomi Hamzat, questioned the legality of the detention, emphasizing that the government had no legal grounds to hold his client or the other defendants. He argued that the defendants should not be held under a holding charge and should be properly arraigned according to the law.
The court, after hearing the arguments, will rule on the matter next week.
