Oyo Government Drops Charges Against Ooni’s Ex-Wife Naomi, Oriyomi Hamzat, and School Principal
The criminal charges against Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM; Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife; and Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, have been formally dismissed by the Oyo State Government.
The charges were reportedly first brought against the three after the terrible stampede that killed at least 35 children during a children’s celebration in December 2024.
Following the trial on Thursday, the defendants were clearly relieved and smiling as they exchanged pleasantries, signifying their freedom from the accusations.
After the court session, Abiodun Aikomo, the attorney general of Oyo State, spoke to the media and affirmed the ruling.
Aikomo said during a live Facebook broadcast by SaharaReporters: “It was a regrettable tragedy that resulted in numerous fatalities. The law will take its course anytime a death happens and the conditions are not natural, as you can see. Therefore, in response, the state charged those involved in the probe.
In the process, we wanted to bring charges, but the people who were impacted showed compassion. They were kind. Additionally, they attempt to influence the emotions of the parties involved as best humans can. Additionally, we believed that the goal of prosecution was not to persecute or kill people. These charges should be dropped for the sake of justice, and that is what took place today.
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This ruling is the result of a protracted legal procedure. Naomi, Hamzat, and Fasasi had previously been released on bail by the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan. On the basis of the defendants’ bail applications, Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin rendered the decision.
Naomi received N10 million in bail with two sureties, and Hamzat and Fasasi received identical conditions. Along with limiting the suspects’ public appearances and prohibiting them from conducting interviews, the court also mandated that they surrender their passports with the court.
The case started after the horrific stampede that killed hundreds of young children in a frantic rush during a children’s event at Islamic High School, Bashorun, in December 2024. The sad tragedy, one of the most horrific tragedies in Oyo State’s recent history, devastated the people and the relatives of the victims.
At first, the prosecution team—led by the Oyo State Attorney General—opposed granting the defendants bail, citing the gravity of the accusations and the necessity for the victims to receive justice. The accused, according to the defense team, did not represent a flight risk and had cooperated with the inquiry.
Although Governor Makinde had previously stated that individuals responsible for the stampede must stand trial, he also indicated that he would be amenable to giving bail while the case was pending.
