The Oyo State Government has brought eight charges against Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of a radio station in Ibadan; and Abdulahi Fasasi, the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan. The charges relate to a tragic stampede at a children’s funfair held on December 18, 2024, which led to the deaths of 35 children.
The case, identified as I/05C/2025, was filed on January 10, 2025, at the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan. The government is named as the complainant, while Silekunola, Hamzat, and Fasasi are listed as defendants.
The charges against them include conspiracy to commit murder, manslaughter, criminal negligence, and related offenses. These charges are based on violations of Section 324 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
According to court documents seen by Drivetvnews, the prosecution named 14 of the 35 children who lost their lives during the stampede. Among them are Musiliu Sofiat (8), Lekan Salami (7), Feyikemi Salam (1.5), Olaniyan Joshua (1.5), Laeef Muisi (8), Opeyemi Ayomide (4), Adebayo Fatimah (4), Adebayo Abibat (5), Adeyanju Taiwo (8), Salaudeen Khalid (minor), Anjorin Faridat (10), Nahaam Muisi (13), and Babatunde Toheeb (18).
The government accuses the defendants of failing to provide adequate security, crowd control measures, and medical support for the event, which allegedly caused the fatal stampede. These acts of negligence, according to the prosecution, violate Section 308 and are punishable under Section 344 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
Fasasi faces specific charges, including conspiracy, negligence resulting in harm, and failing to ensure safety and medical preparedness.
Governor Seyi Makinde recently affirmed his administration’s determination to hold the defendants accountable. The accused have been in custody since their arrest on December 24, 2024.
