Three high-profile defendants, including the former queen of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola, media personality Oriyomi Hamzat, and the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Abdulahi Fasasi, have been released from the Agodi Correctional Centre after spending 21 days in remand. Their detention was connected to a tragic stampede that claimed the lives of 35 children during a funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Their release on Tuesday followed a ruling by Justice K. B. Olawoyin of the Oyo State High Court, who granted them bail in the sum of N10 million each with two sureties in like sum. The judge’s decision came after rejecting the Oyo State Government’s objection to the defendants’ bail application.
The Charges and Allegations
The defendants are facing an 18-count charge brought by the Oyo State Government, including allegations of murder, manslaughter, criminal negligence, and conspiracy. The charges relate to the December 18 stampede at a children’s funfair, which led to the tragic deaths of 35 children.
According to the charge sheet marked I/05C/2025, the prosecution accused the defendants of conspiring to commit murder and manslaughter by negligently omitting to provide adequate security and crowd control measures at the event.
The state government further alleged that the lack of medical facilities on-site contributed to the high casualty rate. The offences cited in the charge sheet are contrary to and punishable under Section 324 and Section 344 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
Victims Identified
Out of the 35 children who lost their lives, the prosecution listed 14 victims by name and age in the charge sheet. The victims include Musiliu Sofiat, aged eight; Lekan Salami, aged seven; Feyikemi Salam, aged 1.5 years; Olaniyan Joshua, aged 1.5 years; and Laeef Muisi, aged eight. Others were Opeyemi Ayomide, Adebayo Fatimah, and Adebayo Abibat, aged between four and five years. The oldest victim identified was Babatunde Toheeb, aged 18.
Legal Ruling and Bail Conditions
Justice Olawoyin, in his ruling, criticized the use of a holding charge by the magistrates’ court to keep the defendants in custody. He stated that the holding charge has no place in Nigerian law, and detaining the defendants without taking them to a competent court violated their rights.
“There is no provision for a holding charge in the Nigerian Constitution,” the judge emphasized. “Keeping them in custody would amount to an infringement on their rights, especially without taking them to the right court that could entertain the charges against them.”
The court granted bail to the defendants with conditions, including N10 million each and two sureties in like sum. The sureties must possess verifiable addresses and provide evidence of tax payments.
Hamzat’s Emotional Return
Following his release, Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM, received a hero’s welcome from a large crowd of well-wishers at his broadcasting station in Ibadan. In an emotional address, Hamzat, visibly moved to tears, expressed his gratitude to his supporters.
“Oriyomi is back. At this time, I am in a moment of silence. Thank you very much,” he said to the cheering crowd.
Hamzat, a popular broadcaster known for his advocacy and social commentary, had been a focal point of public sympathy during his detention.
Public Reactions and Legal Implications
The release of the defendants has sparked mixed reactions from the public. While some have expressed relief at their release on bail, others continue to demand justice for the victims of the tragic stampede.
Legal experts have highlighted the importance of the judge’s ruling on holding charges, noting that it sets a precedent against unlawful detentions in Nigeria.
The case is expected to proceed to trial, where the defendants will have the opportunity to contest the charges leveled against them.
