The former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola, alongside the Chairman of an Ibadan-based broadcasting station, Oriyomi Hamzat, and the Principal of Islamic High School, Basorun, Abdulahib Fasasi, made their second appearance before the Chief Magistrate Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday. The trio faces serious charges in connection with the tragic deaths of 35 children during a stampede at a Christmas funfair held on December 18, 2024.
The accused individuals are facing four counts: conspiracy, murder, manslaughter, and negligence. Their appearance before the court follows the tragic incident that claimed the lives of numerous children attending the event.
Earlier, they were remanded in custody under a Golden charge by the same court, but were granted bail after their legal representatives argued that such a charge is not recognized under Nigerian law. On Monday, the case was slated for mention but was adjourned until March 24, 2025, to allow proper proceedings to continue.
Speaking to journalists outside the court, Hamzat’s counsel, Dapo Akinosi, provided clarity on the case’s progression. He explained, “Today’s matter was slated for mention because when they were initially arraigned, it was under a holden charge, which is not recognized by our law. As a result, they were remanded in prison. We later applied to the High Court for bail, which was granted. Legal advice has now been issued, and the proper charges have been filed against them, though they have yet to be served with the formal information.”
Akinosi continued, “We requested a longer adjournment to allow the proper plea-taking at the High Court, ensuring that proceedings at the Magistrate Court can continue smoothly.”
The adjournment ensures that the legal process continues to unfold as authorities work toward determining responsibility for the tragic incident. The case is now set to resume in March, with further developments expected as the investigation continues.
