Oyo State Government has dropped the charges against Queen Naomi Silekunola, ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, owner of Agidigbo FM; and Abdullahi Fasasi, principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.
The trio had faced legal action following the December 2024 stampede at a children’s festive party, which claimed the lives of at least 35 children.
Following the court session on Thursday, the defendants appeared visibly relieved, exchanging pleasantries after being cleared of all charges.
Oyo State Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, confirmed the decision in a media briefing, emphasizing that while the tragic event necessitated legal action, the government ultimately prioritized justice over persecution.
“It was an unfortunate incident that led to the loss of many lives,” Aikomo said in a Facebook live broadcast by SaharaReporters. “When deaths occur under unnatural circumstances, the law must take its course. However, we considered the empathy and compassion shown by the accused and decided it was in the interest of justice to discontinue the case.”
Before this decision, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan had granted bail to the defendants. Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin ruled that Naomi, Hamzat, and Fasasi should each provide a ₦10 million bail bond with two sureties. The court also ordered them to surrender their passports and refrain from media engagements.
The case had sparked public outcry, with victims’ families demanding accountability for the chaotic stampede at Islamic High School, Bashorun. Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier insisted that those responsible must face trial but remained open to legal resolutions.
Initially, the prosecution opposed bail, citing the gravity of the charges, but the defense argued that the accused had fully cooperated with investigations.
With the charges now dropped, the decision marks the end of a contentious legal battle stemming from one of the most tragic events in Oyo State’s recent history.
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