Justice Olabisi Ogunkanmi of the Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, has ordered the remand of Naomi Silekunola, a former Chief of Staff in Ile-Ife, along with Oriyomi Hamzat, a senior manager at a radio station in Ibadan. Additionally, the court directed the headmaster of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, to accompany them into custody.
The court instructed that the accused be detained at Agodi Prison in Oyo State until the next hearing of their case.
This development follows a tragic incident in which three children were reportedly trampled to death during a stampede at a gift distribution event. While one child was later seen with Naomi Silekunola during her meeting with the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, the fate of the other two remains unclear.
Police Confirm Arrests
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed that 35 children lost their lives in the stampede, which occurred during an end-of-year banquet organized by Naomi Silekunola, formerly associated with the Ooni of Ile-Ife, in Ibadan.
Six additional children are currently receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the event.
In a statement released by the police spokesperson, SP Osifeso Adewale, it was revealed that Naomi Silekunola, believed to be the primary suspect, has been arrested alongside other individuals. The arrested parties include Fasasi Abdulahi (Headmaster of Islamic High School), Genesis Christopher, Tanimowo Moruf, Anisolaja Olabode, Idowu Ibrahim, and Abiola Oluwatimilehin.
The police confirmed that the case has been transferred to the Crime Branch for further investigation to ensure justice is served.
