Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife; Abdulahib Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School, Basorun; and Oriyomi Hamzat, a broadcaster and radio station chairman headquartered in Ibadan, appeared before the Chief Magistrate Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday.
In connection with the deaths of 35 children in a stampede at a Christmas funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, on December 18, 2024, the three are charged with conspiracy, murder, manslaughter, and carelessness.
They were remanded in custody after being charged on a holden charge, which is a temporary legal system that is not recognized by Nigerian law. However, a High Court decision later led to their release on bail.
The Chief Magistrate postponed the case until March 24, 2025, even though it was supposed to be mentioned on Monday.
Dapo Akinosi, Hamzat’s attorney, gave reporters an update on the court proceedings following the session: “The matter today was actually slated for mention because when they were arraigned initially, it was on a holden charge, which is not recognized by our law.” That charge led to them being remanded in custody.
“We subsequently applied to the High Court, where bail was granted to the defendants. Legal advice has now been issued, and the proper information has been filed against them. However, they are yet to be served with the information.
“Today, we came to court so that the charge here could be withdrawn. Since their plea has not yet been taken at the High Court, we requested a longer adjournment to allow proper proceedings, including plea-taking at the High Court, before the case can be concluded at the Magistrate Court.”