The Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has approved bail for Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Agidigbo FM owner Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, and Abdullahi Fasasi, Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun.
The decision was made by Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin on Monday. Oriyomi Hamzat’s bail was set at N10 million with the condition of providing two sureties. Additionally, the court ordered that his radio station must not broadcast any news related to the case.
The defendants had presented their bail applications on the previous Tuesday, but were remanded in custody until Monday’s ruling on their bail.
Their defense argued that the accused were not flight risks and were willing to cooperate with ongoing investigations. However, the Oyo State Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, opposed the bail, stressing the gravity of the charges and the need for justice for the victims and their families.
Adekunle Shobaloju (SAN), representing Oriyomi Hamzat, confirmed that they had applied for bail pending arraignment, with the arguments presented and the ruling reserved until January 13th.
The arrests stem from a tragic children’s party in December 2024 at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, where a stampede led to the deaths of at least 35 children. Governor Seyi Makinde has called for those responsible to be prosecuted, though he has not opposed the granting of bail in this case.