- Ex-Queen Naomi, Hamzat, and Principal have been released on bail after 21 days in custody over the Ibadan stampede
- Oyo State Court grants bail to defendants in 35-child Ibadan stampede tragedy
- A crowd welcomed Oriyomi Hamzat after his release from Agodi prison, and he addressed supporters in tears
Ooni of Ife’s ex-queen Naomi Silekunola, owner of Agidigbo FM in Ibadan, Oriyomi Hamzat, and the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Abdulahi Fasasi, have been released from the Agodi Correctional Centre following a 21-day detention over the tragic death of 35 children during a stampede in Ibadan.
On Monday, January 13, Justice K. B. Olawoyin of the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan granted the three defendants bail in the sum of N10 million each, with two sureties in like sum. They face 18 charges, including murder, manslaughter, and criminal negligence, relating to the fatal incident on December 18.
Despite objections from the Oyo State government, Justice Olawoyin ruled that the defendants were entitled to bail, as the stampede was not a premeditated act.
The judge also criticised the use of a holding charge by a magistrates’ court, stating that it infringed upon the defendants’ rights, as there is no provision for holding charges in Nigerian law.
After their release, a large crowd of well-wishers greeted Hamzat at his broadcasting station. The emotional broadcaster, visibly in tears, thanked the crowd, saying, “Oriyomi is back. At this time, I am in a moment of silence. Thank you very much.”
The charge sheet filed by the Oyo State government accused the three individuals of negligence in providing adequate security, crowd control, and medical facilities during a children's funfair programme they organised.
The state claimed their failure to do so resulted in the deaths of 35 children, including 8-year-old Musiliu Sofiat, 7-year-old Lekan Salami, and 1.5-year-old Feyikemi Salam.
The government is prosecuting the defendants for conspiracy to commit a felony and criminal negligence under the Criminal Code of Oyo State. However, the defence maintains that the tragic event was an unfortunate accident.
As the case progresses, the focus now shifts to the judicial proceedings, with the community awaiting further developments.
Lagos, Abia, Rivers, others introduce new safety protocols following deadly stampedes
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that some Nigerian states introduced safety measures for large events and palliative distributions following deadly stampedes that happened in the country.
We compiled the stipulated safety measures from eight states aimed at ensuring safer public events.
