Shock Move! Oyo Gov’t Withdraws Ibadan Stampede Case
Supervisory agencies within Oyo State have visited a withdrawal of the criminal case instituted against Naomi Silekunola, the erstwhile wife of the Ooni of Ife; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, alleged owner of Agidigbo FM; and the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, in Ibadan, Abdullahi Fasasi.
According to Intel Region, those charges were initially preferred against the trio following the unfortunate stampede that took place in December 2024, during which at least 35 children lost their lives in a festive children’s party.
The defendants were seen celebrating in a video after the trial hearing on Thursday, smiling and exchanging pleasantries while giving an indication of their relief and release from the charges.
This new development was later affirmed by Abiodun Aikomo, the Attorney General of the State, to the press after the court session.
Speaking during a live coverage being monitored by Naijaeyes on Facebook, the Attorney General stated, “It was an unfortunate incident that led to death of many; and you see, in law, whenever death occurs, and it is not a natural death, the law takes its course.” The state filing charges against those involved in the investigation was in order.
“In prosecuting, some degree of consideration was presented by the defendants; consideration was imposed on the feelings of the affected party by the defendants.
Now, it was our considered view that in the circumstance, the essence of prosecution is not to kill people or persecute them-in the interest of justice, the charges had to be discontinued, and that was what has happened today.”
This development comes after a rather prolonged legal episode. Prior, they were granted bail by the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan.
The ruling of Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin was delivered after the charges by the court of the defendants had been presented in an application for bail.
The terms of bail allowed Naomi to be released upon the payment of N10 million with two sureties, Hamzat, and Fasasi were equally granted bail on similar terms.
The conditions also stipulated that the accused persons should deposit their passports with the court and not grant interviews, thus placing restrictions on their public outings.
The drama surrounding the case began after the sad stampede that occurred at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, during the Christmas celebration in December 2024, which witnessed the death of more than dozens of little children in a disorderly fashion due to rush.
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Families of the many victims and the public were emotionally shattered by the nightmarish event; probably, it remains one of the worst tragedies in recent history in Oyo State.
While Oyo State’s Attorney General, who led the prosecution team, had strongly resisted any bail for the defendants, citing the seriousness of the charges and the need for justice for the victims, the defense had sought bail, arguing that the accused fully cooperated in the investigation and do not pose any flight risk.
Governor Makinde had insisted that those responsible for the stampede should face justice but also offered some Measure of leniency.
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