A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has ordered the immediate sealing of Crown Emirate Hotel in Ikere-Ekiti, where three persons died during a stampede at a convocation party.
Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun gave the order on Tuesday and also directed that the Ekiti State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) take over the case for further legal proceedings.
The ruling followed the arraignment of 12 suspects by the police in connection with the incident. Police prosecutor Martins Akala filed a motion ex parte seeking to remand the suspects in correctional custody for 30 days to allow for further investigation.
The suspects are facing charges bordering on conspiracy, criminal negligence, and manslaughter, supported by a 10-paragraph affidavit.
During proceedings, Deputy Director and Legal Officer for Ekiti State, Barr. Kunle Adeyemo, informed the court that he had the authority of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata (SAN), to take over the prosecution of the case.
The matter was adjourned until May 19, 2026.
