A high court in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, has granted bail to Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. The court also granted bail to Ibadan-based broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat and school principal Abdullahi Fasasi.
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The trio faced charges of conspiracy, acceleration of death, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities during a Christmas funfair stampede that claimed the lives of 35 children in Ibadan last December.
Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin granted bail on Monday, citing the defendants’ cooperation with investigations and their minimal flight risk.
The defence team argued against the defendants’ detention, describing it as unconstitutional and highlighting irregularities in the “holding charge” used to remand them.
Prosecution’s Argument
The Oyo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, opposed the bail applications, stating that the charges were grave and justice for the victims required the continued detention of the accused.
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Aikomo dismissed claims that the case was a persecution, asserting that sufficient grounds existed to proceed with the charges.
The Oyo State Government filed an 18-count charge, including manslaughter, against the defendants following the stampede at the Christmas Funfair. The tragic event shocked the community, leading to calls for accountability and justice for the victims and their families.