Oyo Attorney General Explains Decision to File Charges Against Naomi, Oriyomi, Fasasi Over Stampede
Oyo Attorney General Explains Decision to File Charges Against Naomi, Oriyomi, Fasasi Over Stampede
Abiodun Aikomo, the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice in Oyo State, has defended the state government’s move to file fresh charges against Olori Naomi Silekunola, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, and Abdulahi Fasasi in connection with a tragic stampede incident.
The incident, which occurred during the ill-fated Ibadan Children Funfair at Islamic High School, Bashorun Ibadan on December 18, 2024, resulted in the death of 35 victims, mostly children.
Olori Naomi, former wife of the Ooni of Ife and founder of the NGO Wing Foundation, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, owner of Agidigbo FM radio station in Ibadan, and Abdulahi Fasasi, Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, are facing an 18-count charge that includes conspiracy to commit felony, manslaughter, and criminal negligence.
Read also: Okija Stampede Victims Laid to Rest Amid Tears and Prayers
After spending 20 days in custody at the Agodi Correctional Centre, they were granted bail by an Oyo State High Court. Governor Seyi Makinde emphasized that regardless of their status, those involved must face trial, citing similar incidents in other states where accountability has been lacking.
According to Aikomo, the state government is committed to ensuring justice for the victims through due legal process. He stated, “We have filed a charge, we have a burden to prove the case. If it has merit, they defend it; if they think it doesn’t have merit, they can file a no-case submission. Because we want to ensure hope and justice for the victims, that is why we are taking this measure.”
The new charges were filed at the State High Court on January 10, 2025, and the defendants have been served. Aikomo confirmed that a court date will soon be scheduled for the proceedings.
