The Oyo State Government has filed an 18-count criminal charge against the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola, alongside popular radio proprietor Oriyomi Hamzat and the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, Abdulahi Fasasi, following the tragic stampede at a children’s funfair event that claimed over 35 lives.
The case, which was filed on Friday, January 10, 2025, at the State High Court, is marked with charge number I/05C/2025.
A government source privy to the case told newsmen that the government has filed an 18-count charge of manslaughter and related offences against the trio.
“The court will most likely grant bail on Monday. The state government has however filed an 18-count charge of manslaughter and similar offences against the Defendants,” the source said.
The suspects are currently in detention over their involvement in the deadly stampede.
The charge sheet obtained on Sunday revealed that the accused individuals failed to provide adequate security, crowd control mechanisms, and medical facilities during the ill-fated funfair event held at the Islamic High School.
Their alleged negligence led to a stampede, resulting in the deaths of 35 children, with 14 victims identified in court documents.
The prosecution accused the defendants of conspiring to commit acts of criminal negligence, contrary to Section 517 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
According to the charge sheet, the trio, “Did negligently omit to provide adequate security, crowd control mechanisms, and medical facilities, resulting in the death of Musiliu Sofiat, aged 8, and 34 other children.”
The offence is punishable under Sections 308 and 344 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
Fasasi, the school principal, faces a separate four-count charge, including conspiracy, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to ensure safety at the event venue.
The case with charge number C/2024 is filed as The Commissioner of Police vs. Naomi Silekunola (31), Oriyomi Hamzat (51), and Fasasi Abdulahi Babatunde (56).
Recall that at the Oyo State High Court last Tuesday, January 7, the defence team passionately argued for the bail of the accused, citing their cooperation with investigations and lack of flight risk.
The defence lawyers contested the detention of their clients, asserting that it was unconstitutional due to procedural irregularities and uncertainties surrounding the court’s jurisdiction.
They further expressed concerns regarding the legitimacy of the “holding charge” employed to remand the trio, arguing that it lacked recognition under Nigeria’s Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
However, the state government through its Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, strongly opposed the request.
Aikomo insisted that the applicants had not provided sufficient grounds for their release. He dismissed claims of persecution by the state government, describing them as unfounded.
He, therefore, vehemently opposed the motion, stressing the gravity of the charges and the need for justice for the victims and their families.
Following deliberations from both the prosecution and defence, Justice K.B. Olawoyin reserved his judgment on the bail applications, scheduling the ruling for Monday, January 13, 2025.
