Ibadan Stampede: Oyo State Files Murder Charges Against Ex-Queen Naomi, Broadcaster Hamzat, School Principal

… Court Grants Bail Amid Public Interest In Case

A court sitting in Ibadan has granted bail to Naomi Silekunola, former wife of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, a prominent broadcaster and Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School Ibadan.

The trio was arrested in connection with the tragic death of 35 children during a Christmas party they organized on December 18, 2024.

The stampede, which claimed the lives of 35 children, has drawn widespread condemnation and public demands for justice. Many have questioned the organization and safety measures at the event, prompting investigations into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

In a separate development, the Oyo State government filed an 18-count charge against the former queen, Oriyomi Hamzat, Principal Abdullahi Fasasi, and others implicated in the incident.

In the suit registered as I/05C/2025 and filed on Friday, January 10, the Oyo state government was listed as the complainant, while the Ooni’s former queen and other individuals were named as the defendants.

The state government’s 18-count charge accused the defendants of “conspiracy to commit a felony to wit: murder, manslaughter, conspiracy to commit an offense to wit: criminal negligence, and conspiracy to commit criminal negligence.”

These offenses, according to the government, violate Section 324 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The case has generated significant public attention, with debates surrounding the accountability of the defendants. While the court granted bail, the defendants face ongoing legal battles as the state seeks to address the tragedy.

This unfolding case continues to highlight critical issues of event safety and oversight, as investigations and legal proceedings progress.