The former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola, alongside Oriyomi Hamzat, the Chairman of an Ibadan-based broadcasting station, and Abdulahib Fasasi, the Principal of Islamic High School, Basorun, appeared on Monday before the Chief Magistrate Court in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The trio faces four charges, including conspiracy, murder, manslaughter, and negligence, in connection with the tragic deaths of 35 children during a stampede at a Christmas funfair held on December 18, 2024.
The case gained renewed attention after an earlier holden charge brought against the defendants was dismissed, with their legal team successfully arguing that such charges are not recognized under Nigerian law. Following this, the defendants were granted bail by a High Court on legal grounds.
During Monday’s session, Chief Magistrate Court proceedings were adjourned to March 24, 2025. Addressing journalists, Hamzat’s counsel, Dapo Akinosi, clarified the current legal status of the case.
He explained, “Today’s hearing was merely procedural. Initially, they were arraigned on a holden charge, which is invalid in our legal system. After securing their bail at the High Court, proper legal advice has been issued, and formal charges have now been filed against them. However, they are yet to be served.
“The next step is to take their plea at the High Court. We have requested a longer adjournment to allow the legal process to progress appropriately before the Magistrate Court proceedings can be concluded.”
The tragic stampede at the Christmas funfair left the community shaken, with many still seeking justice for the lives lost. Observers are closely monitoring the legal process as the case moves to the High Court.
