The Oyo State Government has filed an 18-count charge against Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, CEO of Agidigbo FM; and Fasasi Abdullahi, Principal of Islamic High School. The charges, including manslaughter, stem from a tragic stampede at a Christmas Funfair in Ibadan that claimed the lives of 35 children.
The trio, currently in detention, faces accusations of negligence and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities at the event. At a hearing on January 7, defence lawyers sought bail for the accused, arguing that their detention violated procedural protocols and citing their cooperation with investigations.
Attorney General Abiodun Aikomo, leading the prosecution, opposed the bail request, emphasizing the gravity of the charges and the need for justice for the victims. Justice K.B. Olawoyin reserved judgment on the bail applications until January 13.
The stampede has sparked widespread calls for accountability, with the government determined to pursue legal action against those deemed responsible.
