Ibadan Stampede: Ooni’s Ex-Wife Naomi, Oriyomi Hamzat, Others Granted ₦10 Million Bail

An Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has granted bail to Naomi Silekunola, a former wife of the Ooni of Ife, and two others facing charges of murder and manslaughter.

The defendants were granted bail of ₦10 million on Monday, January 13, 2025.

The others granted bail include Oriyomi Hamzat, a broadcaster and CEO of Agidigbo Radio FM, and Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School.

The charges stem from the deaths of 35 children during a stampede at a Christmas funfair held on December 18, 2024, at Islamic High School, Orita Basorun, Ibadan.

The three defendants were first arraigned on December 24, 2024, at an Iyaganku Magistrate’s Court on charges of conspiracy, murder, manslaughter, and negligence. They were later remanded at Agodi Correctional Centre.

The defense team applied for bail at the Oyo State High Court, where Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin ruled in favor of their application on Monday.

The judge noted that the Magistrate Court lacked jurisdiction over murder charges and emphasized that holding the defendants in custody would violate their rights.

He stated that the stampede was not a deliberate act, making the defendants eligible for bail.

As part of the bail conditions, the defendants must provide two reliable sureties, surrender their international passports, and refrain from granting media interviews during the trial.

The case has been adjourned until January 27, 2025, for further proceedings.

KanyiDaily recalls that Nollywood actress, Opeyemi Aiyeola canceled her planned giveaway due to the arrest and detention of Queen Naomi Silekunola, Oriyomi Hamzat, and others.