The Oyo State Government has dropped criminal charges against Ooni’s ex-wife Naomi Silekunola, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM; and Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.
Recall that the trio have been facing murder charges following the tragic stampede in December 2024 during a children’s party that led to the death of 35 children.
However, they were freed after the charges against them were dropped on Thursday, March 20.
A video shared online shows the defendants visibly elated, smiling and exchanging pleasantries after they were freed.
Oyo State Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, confirmed the decision in a media briefing, emphasizing that while the tragic event necessitated legal action, the government ultimately prioritized justice over persecution.
“It was an unfortunate incident that led to the loss of many lives,” Aikomo said in a Facebook live broadcast. “When deaths occur under unnatural circumstances, the law must take its course. However, we considered the empathy and compassion shown by the accused and decided it was in the interest of justice to discontinue the case.”
Before this decision, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan had granted bail to the defendants.
Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin ruled that Naomi, Hamzat, and Fasasi should each provide a ₦10 million bail bond with two sureties. The court also ordered them to surrender their passports and refrain from media engagements.
The case sparked public outcry, with victims’ families demanding accountability for the stampede at Islamic High School, Bashorun.
Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier insisted that those responsible must face trial but remained open to legal resolutions.
