Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, the proprietor of Agidigbo FM, and Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, have been granted bail by the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan.
The three were involved in the terrible stampede that killed at least 35 children at a children’s celebration in December 2024.
In his order on Monday, Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin granted Oriyomi Hamzat ₦10 million bail, subject to the provision of two sureties.
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The court also barred his media organization, Agidigbo FM, from broadcasting news related to the case.
The defendants presented their bail applications last Tuesday, arguing that they posed no flight risk and were ready to cooperate with the investigation.
However, the Oyo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, opposed the motion, citing the gravity of the charges and the necessity of justice for the victims and their families.
Adekunle Shobaloju (SAN), representing Oriyomi Hamzat, expressed optimism about the court’s decision.
“We argued for his admission to bail pending arraignment based on certain grounds, which I prefer not to elaborate on,” he stated after the proceedings.
The tragic incident occurred during a festive celebration held at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan. Overcrowding led to a stampede, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has insisted on justice for the victims, emphasizing that those responsible for the event’s planning and execution must face trial. However, he noted that he was not opposed to granting bail to the accused.