Ibadan Stampede:Oyo Govt. Drops Charges Against Queen Naomi, Hamzat, One Other
The Oyo State Government has dropped all charges against Naomi Silekunola, a former wife of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, owner of Agidigbo FM; and Abdullahi Fasasi, principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.
Justice B.K Olawoyin of Court 8, Ring Road, Ibadan, in dismissing the case against the defenders, stated that ruling otherwise would discourage individuals with humanitarian hearts to withdraw from supporting the vulnerable in the society.
The trio were facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, acceleration of death, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities, following the tragedy that happened during the Christmas funfair in Ibadan on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
Following Thursday’s court session, the defendants were seen visibly relieved, smiling, and exchanging pleasantries—a clear indication that the charges had been dismissed.
Oyo State Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, confirmed the development, explaining the rationale behind the court’s decision.
He said, “It was an unfortunate incident that led to the death of many. And you see, in law, whenever death occurs and the circumstances are not natural, the law will take its course. So the state responded by filing charges against the persons implicated in the investigation.
“In the course of doing that, we actually wanted to prosecute but the affected persons showed empathy. They showed compassion. And as far as human beings can do, they try to persuade the feelings of the affected parties. And the circumstance, we felt, the essence of prosecution is not to kill people or persecute them.
“It is in the interest of justice to discontinue these charges, and that is what happened today. So we withdrew the charge and it was struck out by the court. There is no charge against them again, so they are free.”
