Following the Ibadan Stampede, the Oyo State Government has decided to drop all charges against Naomi Silekunola, a former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oriyomi Hamzat, owner of Agidigbo FM, and Abdullahi Fasasi, principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.
Initially facing legal action in connection to the tragic Ibadan stampede at a children’s event in December 2024 that resulted in the deaths of at least 35 children, the trio were visibly relieved and exchanged pleasantries following Thursday’s court session, indicating that the charges had been dismissed.
Oyo State Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, confirmed the development and provided insight into the court’s decision.
He said, “It was an unfortunate incident that led to the death of many. And you see, in law, whenever death occurs and the circumstances are not natural, the law will take its course. So the state responded by filing charges against the persons implicated in the investigation.
“In the course of doing that, we actually wanted to prosecute but the affected persons showed empathy. They showed compassion. And as far as human beings can do, they try to persuade the feelings of the affected parties. And the circumstance, we felt, the essence of prosecution is not to kill people or persecute them.
“It is in the interest of justice to discontinue these charges, and that is what happened today. So we withdrew the charge and it was struck out by the court. There is no charge against them again, so they are free.”
