Stampede: The court releases Ooni’s ex-queen and two other people on bail
Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin of the Ibadan High Court has granted bail to three suspects linked to the tragic food queue stampede that claimed the lives of 35 minors in Ibadan, Oyo State, in December. The suspects include ex-Queen Naomi Silekunola, popular Ibadan-based broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat, and school principal Abdullahi Fasasi.
The trio faces four charges: conspiracy, acceleration of death, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities. These offenses are contrary to and punishable under Section 324 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Volume II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
Justice Olawoyin granted the bail after hearing applications from the defense counsel. Despite the prosecution’s opposition—citing the gravity of the incident and the need for justice—the court approved the bail requests. Oriyomi Hamzat was granted bail set at ₦10 million, with the condition of providing two sureties. Additionally, the court ruled that his media organization must refrain from broadcasting news related to the case.
The defendants had presented their bail applications the previous Tuesday, but the court initially ordered their remand in prison until January 13 for a ruling on the applications. The defense argued that the accused posed no flight risk and were willing to cooperate fully with the investigation.
Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN), counsel for Oriyomi Hamzat, confirmed the court’s decision after the proceedings.
“We filed an application for his bail pending arraignment, and the court heard the arguments. The ruling was reserved until January 13. We presented several grounds for his release, though I won’t elaborate on them now,” Sobaloju stated.
Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has maintained that those responsible for the stampede must be held accountable. In pursuit of justice, the state government filed an 18-count charge against the accused on Friday.
