- Oyo State has filed a fresh lawsuit over the December 2024 stampede, holding key figures accountable for 35 children's deaths at a funfair
- The names of the 13 children who tragically lost their lives during the Oyo State funfair stampede have been revealed in the court documents
- Governor Seyi Makinde pledges to ensure justice for the victims, as the state pursues legal action against those responsible for the tragic event
The Oyo State Government has filed a fresh lawsuit against Naomi Silekunola, the former queen of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of an Ibadan-based radio station; and Abdulahi Fasasi, the Principal of Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan.
The charges stem from a tragic stampede at a funfair on December 18, 2024, which resulted in the deaths of 35 children.
The charge sheet, marked I/05C/2025, was officially filed before the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan on Friday, January 10, 2025. The Oyo State Government has been named as the complainant, with Silekunola, Hamzat, and Fasasi identified as the defendants.
In the charges, the government accused the trio of "conspiracy to commit felonies, including murder, manslaughter, conspiracy to commit an offence, specifically criminal negligence, and criminal negligence."
Evidence presented during the proceedings indicated that the accused failed to implement adequate security measures, crowd control, and medical facilities during the ill-fated funfair held at the Islamic High School. The defendants’ alleged negligence resulted in the stampede, leading to the deaths of 35 children. Court documents have specifically identified 13 victims.
The identified children include:
- Musiliu Sofiat, female, 8 years
- Lekan Salami, male, 7 years
- Feyikemi Salam, female, 1.5 years
- Olaniyan Joshua, male, 1.5 years
- Laeef Muisi, male, 8 years
- Opeyemi Ayomide, female, 4 years
- Adebayo-Fatimah, female, 4 years
- Adebayo-Abibat, female, 5 years
- Adeyanju Taiwo, female, 8 years
- Salaudeen Khalid, male, minor
- Anjorin Faridat, female, 10 years
- Nahaam Muisi, male, 13 years
- Babatunde Toheeb, male, 18 years
The charges are in accordance with Section 324 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000, which deals with negligent acts causing harm and death. Fasasi faces four counts, including conspiracy, causing death through negligence, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical provisions during the event.
Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has reiterated his commitment to seeing the case through, stating that the state will prosecute the defendants to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
The defendants have been in custody since their arrest on December 24, 2024, and remain in prison pending further court proceedings.
Meanwhile, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, pledged his support for his ex-wife, Queen Naomi Silekunola, who is facing legal charges related to the stampede.
Lagos, Abia, Rivers, others introduce new safety protocols following deadly stampedes
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that some Nigerian states had 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.
