The Oyo State Government has withdrawn all criminal charges against Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, owner of Agidigbo FM; and Abdullahi Fasasi, principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan. These individuals were initially charged following a tragic stampede in December 2024 that resulted in the deaths of at least 35 children during a festive event.
The decision to discontinue the prosecution was confirmed by Oyo State Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, who stated that while the law mandates action in cases of unnatural deaths, the defendants showed empathy and compassion towards the affected families. He emphasized that the purpose of prosecution is not to persecute but to serve the interest of justice, leading to the withdrawal of the charges.
This development follows an earlier court decision where the defendants were granted bail, each with terms including a ₦10 million bond and two sureties. The court also ordered the suspects to deposit their passports and refrained them from public engagements during the trial period.
The tragic incident occurred during a children’s festive party organized at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, in December 2024, leading to the loss of numerous young lives and prompting legal actions against the event’s organizers.
