The case involving Olori Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oriyomi Hamzat, a radio station owner, and the principal of Islamic High School in Ibadan, Fasasi Babatunde, has been adjourned to March 24, 2025.
This follows a recent development after the Directorate of Public Prosecution issued legal advice recommending charges of conspiracy, manslaughter, and criminal negligence against them.
The trio had been remanded earlier in prison but were granted bail after challenging the legality of the holden charge.
Now, the court has adjourned for a longer period to allow the defendants to be properly served with the filed charges, and for proper arrangements to be made at the High Court before returning to the Chief Magistrate Court.
The charges they face are serious, including conspiracy to commit murder and manslaughter, with potential penalties under the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State.
The case stems from a tragic incident related to a stampede, which has raised concerns and led to these legal proceedings.
According to The Nation, the advice was issued by the DPP on January 10.
A copy of the legal advice sighted by The Nation was signed by a Senior State Counsel, S. A Osuolale for the Director of Public Prosecution.
It reads in part, “Having carefully reviewed the duplicate case file, it is hereby advised that pages B1 (Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi), B2 (Alh. Oriyomi Hamzat) and B3 (Fasasi Abdulahi Babatunde) should be charged with the following offences:
“Conspiracy to commit a felony to wit: Murder, contrary to and punishable under Section 324 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
“Manslaughter; Contrary to Section 308 and punishable under Section 325 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
“Conspiracy to commit an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 517 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
“Criminal Negligence; Contrary to and punishable under Section 344 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.”
