Following the tragic stampede at a children’s funfair event that claimed over 35 lives, the Oyo State Government has filed an 18-count criminal charge against Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oriyomi Hamzat, a well-known radio proprietor, and Abdulahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.
Charge number I/05C/2025 is associated with the case, which was submitted to the State High Court on Friday, January 10, 2025.
The three were charged with a number of offenses, including criminal negligence, manslaughter, and conspiracy to commit murder.
According to court filings, 14 of the 35 children who died in the rush caused by their alleged negligence were named.
In violation of Section 517 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000, the prosecution charged the defendants with planning to commit criminal negligence.
According to the charge sheet, the trio, “Did negligently omit to provide adequate security, crowd control mechanisms, and medical facilities, resulting in the death of Musiliu Sofiat, aged 8, and 34 other children.”
Sections 308 and 344 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000, stipulate the penalties for the offense.
A third four-count accusation against Fasasi, the principal of the school, includes conspiracy, failing to maintain event venue safety, and negligent conduct causing harm.
The Commissioner of Police vs. Naomi Silekunola (31), Oriyomi Hamzat (51), and Fasasi Abdulahi Babatunde (56), the case with charge number C/2024, is filed.
Although the Director of Public Prosecution’s counsel on the case has not yet been finalized, sources say that the government’s additional accusations are based on the suggestions made during the DPP’s investigation into the incident.
At the time of this report, there had been no progress in verifying that the DPP had issued the police advice to submit to the Chief Magistrate.
The terrible event that rocked Ibadan to its foundation continues to infuriate the populace, with many demanding that the victims receive prompt justice.
The state administration seems committed to holding the guilty responsible for their claimed roles in the tragedy, as evidenced by this judicial action.