The Oyo State Government has filed an 18-count charge against three suspects, including Naomi Silekunola, former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Hamzat Oriyomi, CEO of Agidigbo FM, and Fasasi Abdullahi, Islamic High School principal, over a stampede at a Christmas Funfair in Ibadan that claimed the lives of 35 children.
The charges, which include manslaughter and related offenses, were filed at the Oyo State High Court, where the suspects are currently standing trial.
Truth Live News gathered that SaharaReporters reported that the defense team, led by Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN), argued passionately for the bail of the suspects, citing their cooperation with investigations and lack of flight risk.
However, the state government, through its Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, opposed the request, stating that the applicants had not provided sufficient grounds for their release.
Justice K.B. Olawoyin, who presided over the case, reserved his judgment on the bail applications, scheduling the ruling for Monday, January 13, 2025.
The defense team also contested the detention of their clients, arguing that it was unconstitutional due to procedural irregularities and uncertainties surrounding the court’s jurisdiction.
Speaking to journalists after the court proceedings, Sobaloju said his client, Oriyomi, had convincingly pleaded before the court to grant his bail pending proper arraignment.
“We are saying by law, they ought not to be arraigned by holding charge. That ordinarily, they should have followed the provision of the law, which is section 292 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which says that they should not be detained or remanded in custody based on the holding charge,” he said.
The case has generated widespread interest and concern, with many calling for justice for the victims and their families.