A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Iyaganku, Ibadan, has ordered the remand of Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, along with Oriyomi Hamzat, CEO of Agidigbo FM, and Abdullahi Fasasi, principal of Islamic High School, at the Agodi Correctional Centre. The ruling comes in connection with last week’s tragic stampede at a Christmas funfair hosted at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, which left 35 children dead and six others injured.
The arraignment, held on Tuesday under heavy security, saw Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi presiding over the proceedings. The defendants face four counts related to their involvement in the chaotic event that transformed a festive celebration into a scene of horror.
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According to the police prosecutor, the actions of the accused contravene Section 324 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000. The prosecution alleged that their negligence and decisions contributed to the circumstances leading to the deadly stampede.
Chief Magistrate Ogunkanmi’s order mandates that the accused remain in custody at Agodi Correctional Centre, pending legal advice from the Oyo State Director of Public Prosecutions. The high-profile case drew significant public attention, with the accused being escorted by law enforcement amid tight security as they were taken to and from the courtroom.
This development has ignited widespread discussions about accountability and safety measures at public events, as the Ibadan community mourns the young lives lost in the devastating incident.
