The Oyo State Government has officially withdrawn criminal charges against Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM; and Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan. The charges stemmed from the tragic stampede during a children’s festive party in December 2024, which claimed the lives of at least 35 children.
The defendants, who had been facing legal proceedings over the incident, were visibly relieved after the court session on Thursday. Smiling and exchanging pleasantries, they signaled their gratitude as they walked free from the case.
Confirming the development, Oyo State Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, addressed the media after the court session.
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“It was an unfortunate incident that led to the death of many. In law, whenever death occurs under unnatural circumstances, the law must take its course. The state responded by filing charges against the persons implicated in the investigation,” Aikomo explained.
However, he noted that the defendants had shown empathy and compassion toward the victims’ families, which influenced the state’s decision to discontinue the case.
“The essence of prosecution is not to persecute people but to serve justice. After careful consideration, we decided it was in the interest of justice to withdraw the charges, and that is what happened today,” he stated.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Conditions
Earlier in the case, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan granted bail to Naomi, Hamzat, and Fasasi. Presiding Judge Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin had set their bail at ₦10 million each, with two sureties required. Additionally, the court ordered them to surrender their passports and prohibited them from granting interviews or making public statements about the case.
The tragic stampede, which occurred at Islamic High School, Bashorun, left families and the public devastated. The incident remains one of Oyo State’s most harrowing disasters in recent memory.
Governor Seyi Makinde had initially called for those responsible to face trial but later acknowledged the possibility of bail and a fair hearing for the accused.
With this latest development, the state has officially closed the case, bringing a conclusion to months of legal battles and intense public scrutiny.
