A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Iyaganku, Ibadan, has ordered the remand of Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, alongside Oriyomi Hamzat, CEO of Agidigbo FM, and Abdullahi Fasasi, Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, at the Agodi Correctional Centre. The trio faces a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, causing death by negligence, endangering public safety, and failing to provide adequate security and medical facilities at the event ¹.
The charges are connected to the recent stampede at an Ibadan funfair held at Islamic High School, which resulted in the deaths of 35 children and left several others injured. The Presiding Magistrate, Olabisi Ogunkanmi, ruled that the defendants remain in custody pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution of the state Ministry of Justice ².
During the proceedings, the defense counsel argued that the Magistrate’s Court lacked jurisdiction over the case and sought that the defendants be kept in police custody rather than being remanded in the correctional facility. They contended that holding the suspects in custody under the current circumstances was premature and could infringe on their rights, especially if they are later found innocent ³.
One of the defense counsels, Waheed Olajide, also disclosed that an earlier agreement with the police indicated that Hamzat would not be sent to the correctional center due to his health condition, following his hospitalization after the tragedy. However, the Chief Magistrate disagreed with the submissions, stating that she has the discretion to exercise and would remand the suspects in the correctional center pending legal advice ⁴.
The court premises witnessed a heavy presence of security operatives as agitated supporters of Hamzat stormed the venue, expressing anger when the suspects were being conveyed in patrol vans. The case was adjourned until Monday, January 13, 2025, pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution ¹.
Meanwhile, five other suspects initially arrested in connection with the incident were released on Monday night. Those freed include Genesis Christopher (24), Tanimowo Moruf (52), Anisoloja Olabode (42), Idowu Ibrahim (35), and Abiola Oluwatimileyin (25) ².
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability, with many questioning the safety measures in place at the event. The court’s decision to remand the suspects pending legal advice is seen as a step towards ensuring justice for the victims and their families ³.
The case has been adjourned until January 13, 2025, and it remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold. One thing is certain, however – the Ibadan stampede has left an indelible mark on the community, and justice must be served ⁴.
