The Oyo State Government has filed 18 counts against Queen Naomi Silekunola, former wife of the Ooni of Ife; CEO of Agidigbo FM, Hamzat Oriyomi; Islamic High School principal, Fasasi Abdullahi, over a stampede at a Christmas Funfair in Ibadan that claimed the lives of 35 children.
The government filed the 18-count charge relating to manslaughter and other offences against the trio.
The suspects are currently in detention over their involvement in the deadly stampede.
At the Oyo State High Court last Tuesday, January 7, the defence team passionately argued for the bail of the accused, citing their cooperation with investigations and lack of flight risk.
The defence lawyers contested the detention of their clients, asserting that it was unconstitutional due to procedural irregularities and uncertainties surrounding the court’s jurisdiction.
They further expressed concerns regarding the legitimacy of the “holding charge” employed to remand the trio, arguing that it lacked recognition under Nigeria’s Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
However, the state government through its Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, strongly opposed the request.
