The Oyo State Government has officially withdrawn criminal charges against Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM; and Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal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, over the tragic stampede that claimed the lives of at least 35 children during a festive event in December 2024.
Following the court’s decision on Thursday, the defendants were seen visibly relieved, exchanging pleasantries after being freed from the legal battle.
Oyo State Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, confirmed the development, stating, “It was an unfortunate incident that led to the loss of many innocent lives. The state responded by filing charges, but after careful consideration, we have decided to discontinue the prosecution in the interest of justice.”
He emphasized that while the law must take its course in unnatural death cases, the accused individuals demonstrated remorse and empathy toward the affected families, influencing the decision to withdraw the charges.
The case, which had sparked intense legal proceedings, initially saw the Oyo State High Court grant bail to the defendants. Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin set their bail conditions at ₦10 million with two sureties each and imposed restrictions on their public engagements, including barring them from granting interviews.
The Ibadan stampede, which occurred at Islamic High School, Bashorun, during a charity event, remains one of Oyo State’s most tragic incidents in recent history, leaving families devastated. Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier vowed that those responsible would face trial but later expressed openness to granting bail.
