Oyo State Drops Criminal Charges Against Ooni’s Ex-Wife Naomi, Oriyomi Hamzat, and School Principal Over Ibadan Stampede
The Oyo State Government has officially withdrawn criminal charges against Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, owner of Agidigbo FM; and Abdullahi Fasasi, principal of the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, in connection with the tragic stampede that claimed the lives of at least 35 children during a festive event in December 2024.
The defendants, who were visibly relieved, smiled and exchanged pleasantries after the court session on Thursday, marking the end of a highly publicized legal battle. The decision to withdraw the charges was confirmed by the State’s Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, who addressed the media following the court proceedings.
Attorney General’s Statement
Aikomo explained that the state initially filed charges against the accused to ensure justice for the victims but decided to discontinue the case after the defendants demonstrated empathy and compassion toward the affected families.
“It was an unfortunate incident that led to the death of many. And you see, in law, whenever death occurs and the circumstances are not natural, the law will take its course. So the state responded by filing charges against the persons implicated in the investigation,” Aikomo said.
“In the course of doing that, we actually wanted to prosecute, but the affected persons showed empathy. They showed compassion. And as far as human beings can do, they tried to persuade the feelings of the affected parties. In the circumstance, we felt the essence of prosecution is not to kill people or persecute them. It is in the interest of justice to discontinue these charges, and that is what happened today.”
Background of the Case
The tragic stampede occurred during a children’s festive party at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, in December 2024. The chaotic rush resulted in the deaths of dozens of young children, leaving families and the public devastated. The incident was one of the most devastating tragedies in recent memory in Oyo State.
Following the stampede, the Oyo State Government filed criminal charges against Naomi, Hamzat, and Fasasi, alleging negligence and failure to ensure adequate safety measures during the event. The defendants were granted bail earlier by Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin of the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan.
Bail Conditions and Restrictions
The court granted Naomi N10 million bail with two sureties, while Hamzat and Fasasi were granted bail on similar terms. Additionally, the court ordered the defendants to deposit their passports with the court and barred them from granting interviews, effectively restricting their public engagements.
The prosecution team, led by the Attorney General, had initially opposed bail, emphasizing the gravity of the charges and the need for justice for the victims. However, the defence team argued that the accused cooperated with the investigation and did not pose a flight risk.
Governor Makinde’s Stance
Governor Seyi Makinde had previously insisted that those responsible for the stampede must face trial but expressed openness to the suspects being granted bail during the proceedings. His administration’s decision to withdraw the charges reflects a balance between seeking justice and acknowledging the defendants’ efforts to show remorse and support for the affected families.
Implications of the Withdrawal
The withdrawal of charges has sparked mixed reactions among the public. While some view it as a compassionate and pragmatic decision, others argue that it undermines accountability for the tragic loss of lives. The case highlights the complexities of balancing justice, empathy, and public sentiment in high-profile legal matters.
The decision also underscores the importance of event safety regulations and the need for stricter enforcement to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Stakeholders are calling for improved oversight of public gatherings, particularly those involving children, to ensure adequate safety measures are in place.
Next Steps
With the charges withdrawn, the focus now shifts to healing and reconciliation for the affected families and the broader community. The Oyo State Government is expected to continue its efforts to improve safety standards and prevent such incidents from recurring.
The case serves as a poignant reminder of the need for vigilance, accountability, and compassion in addressing tragedies that impact communities deeply.
