A High Court in Ibadan, presided over by Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin, has granted bail to three individuals accused in connection with a tragic stampede that claimed the lives of 35 minors in Ibadan last December.
The suspects include ex-Queen Naomi Silekunola, popular Ibadan-based broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat, and a 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 during the food distribution event.
These offenses are punishable under Section 324 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Volume II, Law of Oyo State, 2000.
The court granted Oriyomi Hamzat bail with a bond of ₦10 million, requiring two sureties. Additionally, his organization was instructed not to broadcast news about the case.
Defense lawyers for the accused argued that their clients were not flight risks and would fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation. Counsel for Oriyomi, Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN), expressed relief at the decision,“Well, what we did was file an application that he should be admitted to bail pending arraignment, and the application was argued today. The court listened to all arguments and granted the bail. We are saying he ought to be admitted on bail based on certain grounds, which I would not want to expatiate on here,” he said.
Despite the court’s ruling, the Oyo State Government remains firm in its pursuit of justice for the victims. Governor Seyi Makinde has insisted that all those responsible for the stampede must face trial. In line with this, the government has filed an 18-count charge against the accused.
The stampede occurred during a food distribution event, resulting in chaos that led to the tragic loss of 35 young lives. The incident has sparked outrage, with calls for accountability and measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
