Justice K.B. Olawoyin, presiding over Court 8 of the Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan, has set Tuesday, January 13, to deliver his ruling on the bail applications filed by Ooni of Ife’s ex-queen, Naomi Silekunola, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, and Abdulahi Fasasi.
Hamzat, the owner of Ibadan-based Agidigbo FM, and Fasasi, the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, are standing trial alongside ex-queen Naomi over a stampede during a Christmas funfair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, in December 2024. The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of no fewer than 35 children.
The bail applications were heard on Tuesday at the Oyo State High Court. Counsel for the suspects presented arguments in support of their clients’ release, but after over five hours of proceedings, Justice Olawoyin adjourned the case for ruling.
Representing the accused were prominent lawyers: Waheed Olajide for Fasasi, Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN) for ex-queen Naomi, and Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN) for Hamzat. Meanwhile, the state’s legal team, led by Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice Mr. Abiodun Aikomo, filed a counter-application opposing the bail requests.
During the hearing, all defense counsel argued there was insufficient evidence to justify keeping their clients in custody. However, the state prosecution team maintained their opposition to the bail applications.
The suspects are currently being held at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Agodi, pending the court’s decision on January 13.
