By Titilope Adako
The Oyo State Government has dropped all criminal charges against Naomi Silekunola, former wife of the Ooni of Ife; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, owner of Agidigbo FM; and Abdullahi Fasasi, principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, following the deadly stampede that claimed over 35 lives during a children’s event in December 2024.
After the court session on Thursday, the defendants appeared relieved, smiling and exchanging pleasantries.
Oyo State Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, confirmed the decision while addressing journalists.
Speaking in a live Facebook broadcast, 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.”
Before the withdrawal, legal proceedings had been ongoing.
The Oyo State High Court in Ibadan had earlier granted bail to Naomi, Hamzat, and Fasasi after their applications were heard.
Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin approved Naomi’s bail at N10 million with two sureties, while Hamzat and Fasasi were granted bail on similar terms.
The court also mandated them to submit their passports and barred them from granting interviews.
The case stemmed from a tragic stampede at Islamic High School, Bashorun, where dozens of children lost their lives.
The incident left families and the public devastated.
The prosecution initially opposed bail, citing the severity of the charges, while the defence argued that the accused had cooperated with investigations and posed no flight risk.
Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier maintained that those responsible should face trial but later expressed openness to the bail applications.
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