Ibadan, January 15, 2025 – Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin of the High Court in Ibadan has granted bail to Naomi Silekunola, a former wife of the Ooni of Ife, and two others charged in connection with the Ibadan stampede that claimed the lives of 35 children.
The defendants, including broadcaster and CEO of Agidigbo Radio FM, Oriyomi Hamzat, and Abdullahi Fasasi, the school principal of Islamic High School, Basorun, were each admitted to bail on Monday in the sum of ₦10 million with two reliable sureties.
The stampede occurred during a Christmas funfair held on December 18, 2024, at Islamic High School, leading to the tragic deaths. The trio faced charges of conspiracy, murder, manslaughter, and negligence. They were initially arraigned on December 24, 2024, at the Iyaganku Magistrate Court and remanded at Agodi Correctional Centre.
In his ruling, Justice Olawoyin stated that the Magistrates’ Court lacked the jurisdiction to handle the case due to the inclusion of a murder charge in the charge sheet. He emphasized that holding charges are not recognized in the Nigerian constitution, and keeping the defendants in custody without proper trial infringes on their rights.
He further noted that the incident was not a premeditated act, entitling the defendants to bail under the law. The court imposed strict conditions, including the surrender of their international passports and a prohibition against granting press interviews in print or on social media during the pendency of the case.
The ruling marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings concerning the tragic event, which has drawn widespread public attention and calls for justice for the victims.