The Oyo State Government has withdrawn charges against Queen Naomi Silekunola, ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, owner of Agidigbo FM; and Abdullahi Fasasi, principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.
The trio had been facing legal action following the tragic December 2024 stampede at a children’s festive party, which claimed the lives of at least 35 children.
During Thursday’s court session, the defendants were seen visibly relieved, exchanging pleasantries as their legal ordeal came to an end.
Oyo State Attorney General Abiodun Aikomo confirmed the decision in a post-trial media briefing, emphasizing that the charges were initially filed because the circumstances surrounding the deaths were unnatural and required legal scrutiny.
“It was an unfortunate incident that led to the death of many. In law, when death occurs under unnatural circumstances, the law must take its course,” Aikomo stated during a Facebook live broadcast by SaharaReporters.
He explained that while prosecution was initially pursued, the accused individuals demonstrated empathy and remorse, which influenced the government’s decision to discontinue the case.
“The essence of prosecution is not to kill or persecute people but to serve justice. Given the circumstances, we found it in the interest of justice to drop the charges,” he added.
The legal process leading to this moment had been lengthy. Earlier, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, presided over by Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin, had granted bail to the defendants. Queen Naomi was granted bail at ₦10 million with two sureties, while Hamzat and Fasasi were released on similar conditions. They were also required to surrender their passports and refrain from public interviews.
The stampede, which occurred at Islamic High School, Bashorun, left families devastated, marking one of the deadliest incidents in recent Oyo State history.
Initially, the prosecution opposed bail, arguing that the charges were severe and that justice for the victims should be prioritized. However, the defense contended that the accused had cooperated fully with the investigation and posed no flight risk.
Governor Seyi Makinde had previously insisted that those responsible for the tragedy must be held accountable, though he later expressed willingness to allow bail during court proceedings.
WATCH: Oyo Govt Withdraws Criminal Charges Against Ooni’s Ex-Wife Naomi, Oriyomi Hamzat, School Principal Over Ibadan Stampede pic.twitter.com/RtrY1H79uw
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