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The Oyo State Government has initiated an eight-count criminal case against the former queen of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola; Oriyomi Hamzat, owner of an Ibadan-based radio station; and Abdulahi Fasasi, Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.
The charges stem from a tragic stampede at a December 18, 2024, children’s funfair, which claimed the lives of 35 children.
The charge sheet, marked I/05C/2025, was filed on Friday, January 10, 2025, before the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan. The state government is the complainant, while Silekunola, Hamzat, and Fasasi are the named defendants.
According to the government, the defendants face accusations of “conspiracy to commit a felony to wit: murder, manslaughter, conspiracy to commit an offense to wit: criminal negligence, and criminal negligence.” These charges, it noted, are contrary to and punishable under Section 324 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
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The prosecution identified 14 out of the 35 children who died in the incident, listing their names and ages in the charge sheet. The victims include Musiliu Sofiat, 8; Lekan Salami, 7; Feyikemi Salam, 1.5; Olaniyan Joshua, 1.5; Laeef Muisi, 8; Opeyemi Ayomide, 4; Adebayo-Fatimah, 4; Adebayo-Abibat, 5; Adeyanju Taiwo, 8; Salaudeen Khalid, minor; Anjorin Faridat, 10; Nahaam Muisi, 13; and Babatunde Toheeb, 18.
The government alleged that the defendants “negligently omitted to provide adequate security, crowd control mechanisms, and medical facilities to prevent a stampede at a children’s funfair programme organised by you.” It further accused them of negligence that led to the deaths of the children, stating that these actions violated Section 308 and are punishable under Section 344 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
Abdulahi Fasasi faces additional charges, including conspiracy, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to ensure safety measures during the event.
Last week, Governor Seyi Makinde reaffirmed the state’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victims, stating, “We will leave no stone unturned in prosecuting those responsible.”
The defendants have been in police custody since their arrest on December 24, 2024.
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