Ibadan stampede: Court to rule on bail application of ex-Queen Naomi, others Jan 13
The Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan, presided over by Justice K.B. Olawoyin, has scheduled January 13, 2025, for the ruling on bail applications filed by Naomi Silekunola, former Queen of Ife; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, owner of Agidigbo FM; and Abdulahi Fasasi, Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun.
The three individuals are being prosecuted in connection with a fatal stampede during a Christmas funfair held at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, in December 2024. The tragic event resulted in the deaths of at least 35 children.
The hearing, which took place on Tuesday, saw the defense teams for the accused present separate arguments in favor of their clients’ bail. Naomi Silekunola was represented by Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN), Oriyomi Hamzat by Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN), and Abdulahi Fasasi by Waheed Olajide.
Opposing the bail applications, the Oyo State prosecution team, led by Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice Abiodun Aikomo, filed a counter-application.
The prosecution argued that granting bail could interfere with the judicial process and insisted there was sufficient evidence to justify keeping the defendants in custody.
In their rebuttals, defense counsel argued that the prosecution lacked adequate evidence to support continued detention and urged the court to uphold their clients’ right to bail pending trial.
After listening to submissions from both sides, Justice Olawoyin adjourned the case, stating that the ruling on the bail applications would be delivered on January 13, 2025. Until then, the defendants will remain in detention at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Agodi.
The case has drawn significant public interest, given the gravity of the tragedy and the prominent individuals involved.
