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 include manslaughter, related to a tragic stampede at a Christmas Funfair in Ibadan that claimed the lives of 35 children.
According to a government source, the court is expected to consider bail on Monday. However, the state government has formally filed the charges against the trio. The suspects are currently in detention over their involvement in the deadly stampede.At the Oyo State High Court, the defendants’ legal team argued for bail, citing their cooperation with investigations and lack of flight risk. They also challenged the legality of the detention, labeling it a procedural irregularity.
In opposition, Oyo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, argued that the defendants had not demonstrated sufficient grounds for their release. He emphasized the severity of the charges, stating that the continued detention of the accused persons is necessary to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
The case has been adjourned until Monday, January 13, 2025, when the court will deliver its ruling on the bail applications.