Ibadan Stampede Saga: Oyo Attorney General Leads Prosecution as Court Denies Bail to Ooni’s Ex-Wife and School Principal

In a dramatic turn of events, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has denied the bail applications of Naomi Silekunola, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife, and Abdullahi Fasasi, the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan. The duo is embroiled in a high-profile case following the tragic Ibadan stampede that has gripped national attention.

Presiding over the case, Justice Olawale Ajayi ruled against granting bail to the defendants, citing the need for further investigations as requested by the Oyo State Attorney General, who is personally leading the prosecution team. The court emphasized the necessity of a thorough inquiry to uncover the full extent of the circumstances leading to the stampede.

Naomi Silekunola and Abdullahi Fasasi are facing serious charges linked to the incident, which occurred during a charity event that resulted in a stampede, leaving several injured and sparking widespread outrage. The prosecution alleges negligence and failure to ensure proper crowd control measures, leading to the tragic chaos.

Meanwhile, the court is also set to decide on Tuesday the bail application of Oriyomi Hamzat, the proprietor of the Ibadan-based radio station, Agidigbo FM. Hamzat has been accused of complicity in the matter, with claims that his station promoted the event without proper checks on safety protocols.

“The court did not grant the bail applications of Naomi and the school principal because the Attorney General pleaded for more time to allow the state to delve deeper into the investigation,” a source present in court told SaharaReporters.

The Attorney General’s active involvement underscores the state’s determination to ensure accountability for the tragedy. Public interest in the case has intensified, with many Nigerians closely following the proceedings and demanding justice for the victims.

The Ibadan stampede has sparked debates about public safety at mass gatherings, the responsibility of organizers, and the role of influencers and media in promoting events. As the legal battle unfolds, all eyes remain on the court for Tuesday’s decision on Hamzat’s bail application and the broader implications of this high-profile case.

This development serves as a stark reminder of the need for stringent safety measures at public events to prevent avoidable tragedies in the future.