The Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has adjourned the case involving the chairman of an Ibadan-based radio station, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat; the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Olori Prophetess Naomi Silekunola; and the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, Abdulahi Fasasi, till 10th March 2025 for further hearing.
The trio are facing trial for their alleged involvement in the Ibadan stampede that led to the death of 35 minors at the aborted Ibadan Children’s Funfair, which was scheduled to take place at Islamic High School, Bashorun.
The case came up for mention on Tuesday.
Naija Metro recalls that the state government has filed fresh 18-count charges at the High Court after the defendants were released on bail in the case earlier filed at the Magistrate Court, on the grounds that a holding charge is not recognised in law.
However, the Court on Tuesday adjourned the case for further hearing.
Speaking on the matter, counsel to one of the defendants, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN), stated that the court could not proceed with the defendants’ cases as they had not been served with their complaints.
Additionally, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, explained that the arraignment of the defendants was stalled because they could not confirm whether their sureties would still support them in the new case.
All the defendants were present in court.
Further recall that the Oyo State government had filed the suit against the trio in an 18-count charge with case number I/05C/2025: The State Government versus Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, and Fasasi Abdulahi Babatunde.
The suit was filed at the State High Court on Friday, 10th January 2025.
The 18-count charges border on conspiracy to commit a felony, namely: murder, manslaughter, conspiracy to commit an offence, namely: criminal negligence, and criminal negligence.
The offences are said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 324 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
