Justice K. B. Olawoyin of the Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan, has set January 13 to deliver a ruling on the bail application filed by three suspects connected to the tragic stampede during a Christmas funfair in Ibadan.
The suspects include Ooni of Ife’s ex-queen, Naomi Silekunola; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM; and Abdulahi Fasasi, the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, where the stampede occurred in December 2024.
The incident claimed the lives of at least 35 children and led to widespread calls for justice.
The bail applications were heard on Tuesday at Court 8 of the Oyo State High Court. During the five-hour proceeding, counsel for the defendants argued that there was insufficient evidence to justify keeping their clients in custody.
Fasasi’s legal representation was led by Waheed Olajide, while ex-queen Naomi was represented by Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN). Oriyomi Hamzat was represented by Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN).
On the other hand, the state’s legal team, led by Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice Abiodun Aikomo, filed a counter-application, opposing the bail request. Aikomo was joined by other top officials from the Ministry of Justice.
The suspects are currently being held at the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Agodi, Ibadan.
Justice Olawoyin, after listening to the arguments from both sides, adjourned the ruling on the bail application to Tuesday, January 13.
