The Oyo State Government has filed an 18-count charge against Olori Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, a former wife of the Ooni of Ife; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of an Ibadan-based radio station; and Mr. Abdulahi Fasasi, the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan. The charges were filed at the Oyo State High Court on Friday, January 10, 2025, under charge number I/05C/2025.
Charges and Allegations
The defendants face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, manslaughter, and criminal negligence. These offences are said to violate sections 324, 308, and 517 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
According to the prosecution, the trio failed to ensure adequate security, crowd control, and medical facilities during a children’s funfair event. This alleged negligence led to a tragic stampede that resulted in the death of 8-year-old Musiliu Sofiyah and 34 other children.
Victims Listed in the Charge Sheet
The prosecution listed 14 victims out of the reported 35 fatalities in the charge sheet, including:
Musiliu Sofiyah, 8 years old
Lekan Salami, 7 years old
Feyikemi Salam, 1.5 years old
Olaniyan Joshua, 1.5 years old
Laeef Muisi, 8 years old
Opeyemi Ayomide, 4 years old
Adebayo-Fatimah, 4 years old
Adebayo-Abibat, 5 years old
Adeyanju Taiwo, 8 years old
Salaudeen Khalid, a minor
Anjorin Faridat, 10 years old
Nahaam Muisi, 13 years old
Babatunde Toheeb, 18 years old
Legal Proceedings
Two courts in Ibadan are set to hear matters related to the case on Monday, January 13, 2025.
Oyo State High Court: Justice K. B. Olawoyin will rule on the bail applications of the defendants.
Chief Magistrate’s Court: A hearing is scheduled following an adjournment last year. The defendants have been held at Agodi Correctional Centre pending further court decisions.
The Oyo State Government, acting as the complainant, has emphasized the severity of the allegations, pointing to a failure of duty that resulted in devastating consequences.
0 Comments