Oriyomi Hamzat, the proprietor of Ibadan-based broadcasting station Agidigbo FM, has met his bail conditions and been released from Agodi Correctional Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State. The broadcaster was released alongside his co-accused, Naomi Silekunola, the ex-queen of Ife, and Abdulahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School in Bashorun. They were all remanded for their accused role in the Ibadan stampede, which killed 35 children in December 2024. On Monday, Justice K. B. Olawoyin granted bail for the suspects with a bond of ₦10 million apiece and two sureties in the same amount.
However, after regaining his release on Tuesday, Hamzat was greeted by a large crowd at his broadcasting station, where he was seen in tears while addressing the audience. He addressed the audience, “Oriyomi is back. At the moment, I am silent. “Thank you so much.” The Oyo State Government filed an 18-count criminal case against Silekunola, Hamzat, and Fasasi following the terrible incident.
The case, which was filed on Friday, January 10, 2025, at the State High Court, is marked with charge number I/05C/2025.The trio were accused of offences including conspiracy to commit murder, manslaughter, criminal negligence, and other related charges.
According to the Punch, the charge sheet obtained revealed that the accused individuals failed to provide adequate security, crowd control mechanisms, and medical facilities during the ill-fated funfair event held at the Islamic High School.
Their alleged negligence led to a stampede, resulting in the deaths of 35 children, with 14 victims identified in court documents.The prosecution accused the defendants of conspiring to commit acts of criminal negligence, contrary to Section 517 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.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.”